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Application route 2. Building notice applications for minor works to dwellings

Generally suitable for minor domestic applications, i.e garage conversions, internal alterations or small extensions etc.  - a Building Notice application is a fast track process with minimal delays to your work.

We advise that you speak to us for Pre-application advice before you apply.

Things to consider.

  1. Commercial works require a Full Plans application. They cannot be done under a Building Notice.
  2. You can still apply using a Full Plans application for domestic works particularly if you already have working drawings prepared.
  3. A Building Notice does not provide the same level of protection you may receive with a Full Plans application because builders will not have approved, detailed plans to follow
  4. Not recommended for loft conversions. Structural details, calculations and means of escape layouts for loft conversions may be complex. We strongly advise Full Plans applications for loft conversions
  5. Applications can be submitted in a way to suit you. Hard copy in the post, emailed documents alongside our application form (fill in the form on the right of this page) or using our online submission portal Submit-a-Plan (link on the right of this page) but the applicant must sign the applicants declaration when using our own form. If you use Submit-a-Plan we will issue a separate declaration to the applicant.. Fees are paid via email links issued after the application has bee received.
  6. We do not normally return hard copy plans. If you require a set returned please let us know.
  7. We may ask for more information from you as work proceeds.
  8. We are unable to attend site until a valid application has been received and paid for.

A Building Notice is submitted to us using the form or online portal shown this page. The form can be emailed to . The property owner can do this themselves or use an agent such as an Architect or surveyor etc. but the applicant must sign the applicants declaration when using our own form. If you use Submit-a-Plan we will issue a separate declaration to the applicant.

  • Only the form needs to be submitted. We do not need any building plans.
  • How to pay the fee is explained on our application form.
  • We check the application and if the Notice is correct we will formally register the application and confirm this to the person who made the submission.
  • We will issue an ‘acceptance letter’ to the person who submitted the application confirming receipt of the Notice. This letter will also tell you what we need to see on site and how to let us know you are starting work. This acceptance is valid for 3 years.
  • We then wait to be notified of works commencing and following that visit site at various stages. As no plans are checked prior to the works we may need further information from you during the course of the project.
  • We will discuss this with you if this need arises. If all works are satisfactory completed we will then issue a Completion Certificate to the property owner. There is no timescale during which the project has to be completed but the work should not be occupied before a completion certificate is issued.

 

Make an application

You'll need to complete and return the below application form and pay the relevant fee.

Online application 

You can submit an application online at Submit-a-Plan.com here

Ensure we receive it, including a site plan and payment at least 48 hours before work is due to start on site. 

Email application

North Worcestershire Building Control Application Form 

Charges

North Worcestershire Building Control Charges

Next steps

After you've applied there are four stages:

When we receive a valid Building Notice application from you, we will send you a building notice acceptance letter or email confirming this. If we need any more information we will contact you to discuss.

Provided you have received any other relevant approvals such as planning permission or Party Wall consent, works can then commence.

As long as you have any necessary planning permission you can start work and arrange your first inspection as soon as you have your Building Notice Acceptance. Simply contact your surveyor to arrange a time. Your surveyor’s name and contact details will be on our correspondence.

We will identify the stages of work that we will need to see at this first inspection

We request that you make any requests for inspections the working day before you require us on site. Timed appointments are not always possible particularly during busy times and are only ever indicative as our surveyors are subject to unpredictable delays during other inspections. We do not encourage the use of text messaging for important request as unlike 'phone calls we are unable to 'bounce' messages during periods of staff absence.

At your first inspection we will have told you when we need to inspect again. When the time comes, simply contact your surveyor again to arrange.

As a good rule of thumb, arrange your inspection before anything substantial is covered up. We cannot inspect work that we cannot see.

We will issue a completion certificate following a satisfactory inspection where we have seen that your work meets the regulations. In the unlikely event of an unsatisfactory inspection, we will advise you on what to do.

If you are selling the property we strongly advise that you do not leave the last inspection until shortly before exchanging contracts. We know from experience that this can and does delay completion of sales.

You will receive your completion certificate by post. Certificates are only issued to the property owner unless they instruct us differently in writing.

Copy completion certificate are available upon written request but again, these are only issued to the building owner.

Please bear in mind we charge for archiving old applications or withdrawing current applications. Details can be found on our Supplementary Charges page.

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