In this section

Application route 1. Full Plans applications and where working drawings have been prepared

A Full Plans application provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your builder is working to approved detailed plans that meet the regulations.

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

Things to consider:

  • For domestic properties the Full Plans or Building Notice route can be used. See our separate section on the Building Notice route.
  • We are unable to attend site until a valid application has been received and paid for.
  • Commercial projects must use the Full Plans route.
  • For commercial buildings we need two copies of your plans if you choose to submit hard copy documents this is, because we have to consult with the fire authority. For domestic buildings one set of plans is enough.
  • 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). Fees are paid via email links issued after the application has bee received.
  • To ensure minimal waste we do not normally return any submitted hard copy plans once approved.

The Full Plans procedure in brief:

  • A Full Plans application is submitted to us using the form or online portal shown on this page. . 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.
  • How to pay the fee is explained on our application form.
  • We check the application and if the documents are correct we will formally register the application and confirm this to the person who made the submission.
  • We will check the submitted information to make sure what is proposed is being designed and specified to comply with the many and varied requirements of the building regulations.
  • As part of this check we may need some clarification or further information. We will contact the person who submitted the application (usually by email within a few days) explaining what we need.
  • Once we receive any further information we need or are happy with what has already been submitted we will issue an Approval Notice confirming the design submitted complies with the Building Regulations. This Notice will also tell you what we need to see on site and how to let us know you are starting work. This approval is valid for 3 years.
  • We then wait to be notified of works commencing and following that visit site at various stages.
  • 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:

We will check your application for compliance with the building regulations, including consultation with structural engineers, the fire authority, and drainage engineers as required.

If your plans are found not to be in accordance with the regulations we will contact you or your agent to let you know, usually within 10 working days from receipt of your application. We will help you to bring your application in line with the regulations.

If your application complies with the regulations we will send you a Full Plans Approval as quickly as possible. 

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 has been carried out according to the plans and meets the regulations. In the unlikely event of an unsatisfactory inspection, we will advise you on what to do. We are unable to issue a Completion Certificate on any application received after April 6th 2024 unless the Three Party Declaration issued by us at the time of application has been completed and received.

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.

Many people assume the builder will be contacting us to arrange a completion. This is not always the case and we strongly advise this is discussed between all parties.

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.

You will receive your completion certificate by email. 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.

Order copy certificates

Contact us if you have any questions regarding your completion certificate

Building Control (NWBC)

Contact Building Control (NWBC)

Building Control

NWBC bring together Building Control Departments of Redditch Council, Bromsgrove Council and Wyre Forest District Council into one service, sharing resources.
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