How to make an application

The Building Control unit works closely with many private sector organisations. Like them, we are keen to make sure that the services we provide are simple and effective, reducing the amount of processes that don't add any value so that we meet your needs and expectations.

Early consultation and involvement is important as it normally means that your formal application can be processed more quickly.

We can help customers prior to the deposit of formal applications with us. We have experienced professional building control surveyors, many of whom are full members of either The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or The Association of Building Engineers (ABE).

We have extensive local knowledge and some in-house technical specialists in areas such as fire safety, structures and accessible design.

Please note that we are not a design service and cannot provide design advice, but we can give advice and guidance on your proposals and how certain aspects of the building regulations may affect your design. We can point you in the right direction.

For general advice, the best time to catch your local surveyor is normally at the start (9am - 10.30am) and end (3.30pm - 5pm) of the day. If you need to see the surveyor who deals with your area it's normally best to book an appointment with them.

If you cannot come to the office we can comment on any plans by post or email, and we can reply with a phone call or a letter explaining any issues.

Works may commence 48 hours after the application submission, however in the case of a full plans application it is advisable to allow at least 8 weeks prior to commencement of works.

A full plans application must include:

• a site plan
• proposed plans and elevations
• building specification
• in some cases structural calculations may also be required

The deposited information should provide enough detail to demonstrate compliance to the Building Regulations.

Our surveyors will check the information and plans thoroughly as well as carry out any necessary consultations, (for example fire and sewerage consultation). This also allows any potential issues to be identified before the works commence on site.

If the plans comply with the Building Regulations then a notice will be sent stating that the plans have been approved, this will be received within 6-8 weeks or less from the date when the plans were deposited.

If the plans do not comply with the Building Regulations then we may request amendments, further information or alternatively issue a conditional approval. 

A Building Notice application is generally a quicker process than a full plans application as there is no obligation to provide plans for checking or wait for a formal decision.

This type of application is most suitable for smaller works which need to be undertaken promptly as works are able to commence 48 hours after submitting the application.

There are however, cases where a building notice application cannot be used these include:

• Works which are subject to section 1 of the Fire Precautions Act 1971
• Works which are subject to Part II of the Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997
• Work which will be built close to or over rain water and foul drains shown on the 'map of sewers'
• Work which results in a new building fronting onto a private street 

To submit a building notice application you should be confident that the work will be carried out to fully comply with the Building Regulations; otherwise there is a risk that corrective works may be requested.

In some cases structural calculations or design may be requested by the inspecting surveyor which must then be provided. 

Where works have been conducted without Building Regulations approval, a regularisation application will be required.

This is a retrospective application concerning previously unauthorised works which started on, or after the 11 November 1985.

Dependent on the type of work, exposure, removal and/or corrective works may be needed to show compliance with the Building Regulations.

It is advisable to contact our technical support team to discuss your individual circumstances and to determine whether a regularisation application is required.

The approval notice for a full plans application will remain valid for three years from the date of which the plans were deposited for checking, after which time if works have not commenced the approval will lapse and a new application will be required.

A building notice is valid for three years after the notice was given, after which time if works have not commenced the building notice will lapse and a new application will be required.

The fees for both types of application can be found on our fees page.

For regularisation applications it is recommended to contact our technical support team for advice on fees.

• Building control fees
• Building control - application forms

If you are an agent or developer with projects in multiple locations why not become a partner with Wiltshire Council Building Control. The scheme will enable you to have a one-to-one working relationship with a preferred local authority for advice and plan appraisal. The site inspections are carried out by the local authority in the areas where each project takes place.

The advantages of this scheme include:

• Help to simplify and speed up the building process generating substantial savings in time and money.
• A dedicated professional building control surveyor as part of your design team to offer advice on all projects no matter where they are in the country.
• Early involvement with your project will make sure any issues can be resolved early in the design process.
• Consistent interpretation of the regulations.
• No additional cost.
• No contractual commitment.
• Co-ordination between us and the inspecting authority on your behalf.
• Development of a special relationship with your dedicated surveyor. This allows for an understanding of your design and construction methods which can provide significant financial benefits.

If you would like more information please contact us on 01225 770321 or email us at buildingcontrol@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window). We are also happy to visit you at your work place if this is more convenient.