For work to dwellingsand commercial buildings not subject to the subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and not built over or adjacent to a Public Sewer, the choice is up to the applicant. If you are unsure as to whether this is the case, then you should contact the Fire Authority (Cleveland Fire Brigade [1429] 872311) and Water Authority (Northumbrian Water [0191] 4196577) to verify this.
All applications require a valid fee to be submitted, there are no differences in the amount charged by us regardless of which type of application you choose to submit. A Full Plans application would require a plan fee when the application is submitted, and you will be invoiced for the site inspection fee after commencement of the work. A Building Notice application would require a fee to be submitted upon depositing the notice, this fee is equivalent to the plan and inspection fee combined for a Full Plans application. It is advisable therefore that you only submit a Building Notice if you are sure you are going to start the work within 3 years, as a refund for the inspection fee will not be provided if the work does not start,
Full PlansA Full Plans application requires that you submit detailed drawings and specifications of the proposed work and how it affects any existing buildings. Full Plans would include a site plan, existing and proposed floor plans and elevations, existing and proposed drainage plans, sections through the structure, specifications of materials and where necessary structural design calculations. The plans should be drawn to an appropriate scale (e.g. 1:50 for a floor plan) and should have dimensions noted in metric units. Three copies of the drawings and specifications should be submitted with the application forms.
The plans will be examined for compliance with the regulations and where there are problems or further information is required, we will contact you and advise you on how to resolve those problems. You will normally be contacted within 10-20 working days of submitting the application, however Fast Track applications (domestic extensions under 40m2 floor area) will be checked within 4 working days.
Building NoticeA Building Notice application can only be submitted when the work is to a bulding that does not require a Fire Certificate and is not situated over a Public Sewer. A Building Notice application would consist of one copy of a site plan (drawn to a scale of 1:1250) indicating the position of the proposed work, and a completed application form. Further plans and details may be requested in some situations (eg structural calculations for loft conversions, removing supporting walls etc.), but only when absolutely necessary to verify the compliance of the work.
There are no checks of any plans submitted before work commences, the work is examined by our surveyors as you carry it out.
The main advantage of a Building Notice is that, providing the notice is valid and all other permissions have been obtained, work can commence within 48 hours of submitting the notice. However you must still provide us with 24 hours notice before you actually start the work.
It is advisable therefore if you wish to avoid abortive work and costly mistakes, that work should only be attempted under a Building Notice, when it is designed and constructed by competent persons, The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 For work to premises that are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a Full Plans application must be submitted. Planning PermissionMost building work will be subject to approval under The Town and Country Planning Act (even if it is exempt Building Regulation approval) and where required, approval must be obtained before work commences. You should contact our Development Control section (tel [01624] 526081) to verify this. |
