Reporting unauthorised building works
Unauthorised work is building work that has started without a Building Regulation application being deposited.
If you think that this may have happened, you can report it to us using our online web form. Alternatively please contact the Building Control section for further information.
The principal aims of the Building Regulations is to ensure a minimum standard of health, safety, welfare and convenience together with measures to conserve fuel and power. It is the interests of all that come into contact with buildings that compliance with these regulations is met.
Irrespective of the main purpose of the regulations, failure to be able to demonstrate that approval has been obtained for building works, can affect the sale of properties.
Regularisation of building work
If building work has been carried out without Building Regulations approval, you can apply retrospectively using our standard application form in respect of the 'unauthorised' work. If parts of the building fabric have been covered up, the building inspector may require them to be uncovered.
This Regularisation process can only be used for work commenced on or after 11 November 1985, where Building Regulation approval would have been required but was not sought.
The first step is to send in a valid application form, with two sets of plans and particulars indicating what work has been carried out with the appropriate fee. The Regularisation charge is 150% of the relevant Building Notice charge, but does not attract VAT.
We will acknowledge receipt of your application and request access to inspect the work. It may be necessary to 'open' up parts of the work so that the Building Control Officer can ascertain if the work complies with the technical requirements of Building Regulations. At this stage further information, such as structural calculations, may be requested.
If necessary we will give you a list of items requiring attention. When these matters have been resolved and a final inspection made a Regularisation Certificate can be issued.
Building Control Enforcement
Building Control can take enforcement action against building work in contravention of the building regulations. In the worst cases this could involve a notice requiring the work is removed or even action through the courts to seek a substantial financial penalty.
Retrospective Planning Permission
If works have taken place without the necessary Planning Permission in place, it may be necessary to make a retrospective planning application. For further information look at the Planning section of the website.
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