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Both full plans and building noticemethods cost the same in fees and both are inspected on site for compliance with the Building Regulations. We would recommend a Full Plans application for anything but the most minor of works as these afford greater protection to the applicant and more certainty in terms of what will be built which may assist contractually with your builder in the event of any queries or disputes.

1. Full Plans Application

This involves the deposit of detailed plans and specifications for the work. The plans are checked in detail and if found to be satisfactory, an approval notice is issued. If they require amendment this is dealt with by correspondence before approval is given.

A Full Plans application should contain:-

Two copies of the detailed drawings of the proposed building work including site boundaries and drainage systems. (Three copies are required for buildings covered by fire safety legislation e.g shops, factories, offices or where people are employed.) The drawings should be to a recognized construction scale of no smaller than 1:100.
One copy of a location plan, drawn to a scale of no smaller than 1:1250.
Two (or three) copies of any specification, which accompanies the drawings.
Where three copies of drawings are required, fire safety drawings must be included showing fire resistance, compartmentation, fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, means of escape and signage as appropriate together with design occupancy numbers and a statement as to which code of practice has been used in the design.
Two copies of any structural design and calculations.
The completed Full Plans application form and the appropriate fee (see fee guidance note for details)

Please note. Unlike building notice applications, Full Plans applications are checked in detail and a formal Decision Notice is issued.

2. Building Notice Application

At it’s simplest this involves submitting the Building Notice application form and providing a block plan and drainage details where applicable (see below). For less simple work extra information may be required to demonstrate compliance with the regulations.

A Building Notice Application should include:

A completed Building Notice Application Form.
If the proposal is for a new building or extension a site plan to a scale of no smaller than 1:1250 which shows its location, the boundaries of the site, the drainage and any public sewers in the vicinity. A site plan is not required for internal or other alteration work.
The appropriate fee (see fee guidance note for details).
Details of storm water and foul water drainage i.e. underground and above ground drainage.

Please note:

i) A Building Notice application may not be used for any building subject to fire safety legislation i.e. most commercial, industrial and retail premises or any workplace.

ii) A Building Notice application may not be used where a proposed building or extension is over or within 3m of a public sewer. Shared drains on properties built before 1937 are often public sewers unbeknown to the owners.

No formal notices are issued but your Building Notice will be acknowledged

Building notices are most suited to small domestic works such as minor alterations or simple extensions. We recommend that a Full Plans Application be made for any more complex works (eg loft conversions). The Council can require provision of any information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. We will often ask for this in all but the simplest of works.

Please note that once you intend to start work you must inform this office in writing or by telephone on (01452) 396771

Planning permission may be required for your building work. Please contact Development Control for advice on (01452) 396775

3. Regularisation

If you have carried out work without a Building Regulation application you can apply for a Regularisation Certificate.

Regularisation applications (applied to work carried out after 11th November 1985) can be a lengthy process, especially if extensive work is required to bring a building back up to standard. You will need to provide full details and plans showing the work that was carried out along with payment of the relevant charge.

Once this information has been provided you may be required to open up and uncover the work so that it can be inspected and checked by the building control surveyor. Provided that the work is satisfactory a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.

Fees

A fee is payable to Gloucester City Council for a Building Regulations application. The amount varies according to the work being carried out. Gloucester City Council has recently published a revised scheme of charges in accordance with the Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations 1998.

Last Modified: Wednesday 21 March 2012