Application for Building Control Approval with Full Plans

By law, the charges we set can only cover our costs. This means that there are standard charges for specific categories of work, as shown in Schedules A, B and C. If you are carrying out any other project, we will charge you based on our individually determined charges.

You must pay the plan charge when you deposit your plans with us. You have to pay the inspection charge after we have made the first inspection, but not until you receive the invoice. It is your responsibility to arrange payment of the inspection charge, unless we tell you otherwise.

All charges are subject to VAT at the appropriate rate.

If your plans include work covered by two or more standard charges, you will not have to pay all charges in full. Instead, you will pay the full amount for the most expensive element, plus 50% of the charge for the other applicable elements (excluding the charges listed under B14). 

We have automatically reduced certain inspection charges, on the assumption that either:

• there is no notifiable electrical work
• or a registered Part P electrician is carrying out controlled electrical installations, including testing and certification

If you claim this reduction when you are not entitled to it, we will invoice you for the outstanding amount (as shown in line B14).

We can't consider your plans unless you have paid the correct amount. If you pay an incorrect amount, we will contact you to let you know.

This means the total of the floor area of all applicable storeys, measured internally.

This means an estimation of the reasonable amount a professional builder would charge to carry out such work, excluding professional fees and VAT.

We set individually determined charges where:

• the project falls outside the specific categories of Schedules A, B and C
• these categories do not cover all aspects of the project
• the categories do not reflect a reasonable charge (an excessive number of categories are applicable)
• the control of the works reverts to us as the approved inspector is unable to resolve a contravention (the reversion charge is VAT zero rated)

If you need an individually determined charge, you should contact us.

We calculate your charges based on your plans. If your plans change significantly after we have worked out your changes, you may have to pay more or be due a refund. If you need to pay more, we will write to you, setting out our calculations.

You do not have to pay a charge if the whole of the work is solely for providing a person with a disability with:

• access to, from and within either their own residence, or an existing public building (such as a shop or bank)
• accommodation or facilities designed to secure their greater health, safety, welfare or convenience

You will need to provide appropriate evidence to show that the work will help the person with the disability or special needs. This would normally be a letter from a medical practitioner or occupational therapist.

After you have submitted your application, we will calculate your charge, based on the information you have given us.

We will then send you a link via email to our payments system. You will only be able to pay the correct figure we have calculated, using credit or debit card.

You should make sure you are looking at the right type of project to calculate the right charge for your works. The three types are:

• new dwelling
• single dwelling
• non-domestic property

New dwellings should not exceed 300 sqm and all buildings should be no more than three storeys above ground level.

There are two elements to the charge, the plans charge and the inspections charge. You need to pay the plan charge when you first apply. You will then need to pay the inspection charge when work starts. The inspection charge is a flat fee, no matter how many inspections your project needs.