Building Notice Procedure
Building Notice method is most suitable when small works are to be done and so detailed plans are unnecessary. As no formal approval is given, good liaison between the builder and the Building Control Surveyor is essential to make sure that work is correct. This method is not allowed for work on commercial buildings or where a new building is to be constructed fronting onto a private street. The Local Authority can, if it thinks necessary, request details and calculations for the work. You should include a location plan showing where the building is relative to neighbouring streets.
Examples of suitable uses are as follows:- domestic internal alterations e.g.
removal of load bearing wall
small domestic extensions
alterations to domestic drainage
fitting a new load bearing bay window
The Council is obliged to make a charge for the work of administering the Building Regulations and is permitted to charge only an amount prescribed by the Regulations. This is called the building regulation charge.
Payment of the charge will differ depending on whether a Full Plans or a Building Notice is used. In the case of Full Plans a quarter of the charge is paid when the plans are submitted and the remainder when the work begins. In the case of a Building Notice, the full amount is paid when work begins.
Full Plans Procedure
'Full Plans' means the submission of fully detailed plans, specifications, calculations and other supporting details to enable the Building Control Surveyor and Structural Engineer to check compliance with the Building Regulations. The amount of detail depends on the size and type of building works proposed. You should include a location plan showing where the building is relative to neighbouring streets.
The advantages of using the 'Full Plans' method of submission are:
a formal notice of approval or rejection must be issued within five weeks unless applicant agrees to extend this to two months. However we will normally take only 2 weeks to check the plans. We currently reject less that 10 per cent of applications;
the approved plans may be used for at least three years even if regulations change;
a completion certificate may be requested on satisfactory completion of work. This will aid in selling your house in the future. Send a letter quoting your reference and address, with a cheque for £30.00 made payable to St Albans District Council to Building Control Department, St Albans District Council, Civic Centre, St Peters Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3JE.