Frequently asked questions.
This section is designed to answers any questions you may have regarding our Building Control Service and your application. If the question/s you are looking for is/are not present below, please email bcsupport@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk and we will be able to give you an answer.
Are any works exempt from Building Regulations?
Certain building works do not require an application to be made under the Building Regulations. We offer a free and efficient service to establish exemptions and would encourage you to use our combined enquiry form (including guidance notes on completing the form). Submission of this form allows us to determine whether building regulation approval and/or planning permission is required for your proposal. After you have sent us your completed form, we will normally send you a written reply within 21 days confirming whether or not you need approval and/or planning permission. This letter is often very useful, especially if you wish to sell your property and need proof that approval was not required for the works.
Please be aware that because the form covers both Building Regulation and Town & Country Planning legislation we will not be able to provide a complete response over the telephone or in reception. You will be encouraged to complete and return the enquiry form.
We have also produced a leaflet called Do I need planning permission? to help you if you need further advice about needing building regulation approval and/or planning permission.
If you need further advice on whether you need approval or help filling in the enquiry form you can contact us. Our Duty Officer is available from 9.00am - 4.00pm on weekdays either by phoning 01636 655860 or you can come and see them at Kelham Hall. There is no appointment system for this service, so you may have a short wait if the Duty Officer is with another customer. Alternatively you can send any queries to us in the post or by e-mail.
How long does my approval last?
You must commence your building works within three years of making your Full Plans application or giving your Building Notice. If you don’t the application or notice is considered to have expired and you must re-apply. Any new regulations and fees in force at the time you re-apply will then be relevant to your project.
What happens when I wish to start work?
The Building Regulations require you or your builder to notify us when work commences, and when certain key stages of work are being carried out on site.
Do you carry out site inspections?
Yes - We will then make the necessary inspections as the building work proceeds, to ensure that what is being built, extended or altered in accordance with the plan and hence, complies with regulations. You or your builder must notify us when the appropriate inspections are required.
What happens when work is complete?
Provided that all relevant stages of work have been notified to the authority, and all work carried out is considered satisfactory, a completion certificate will be issued to you.
Do you provide me with any documentation/completion certificates?
Yes - Approval Notices and Completion Certificates
If you submit a Full Plans Application to Building Control, the drawings etc will be assessed and a 'Decision Notice' will be issued to you within the statutory period. This Decision Notice will be one of three types:
- Full Approval - the whole proposal passed unconditionally.
- Condition Approval - the proposal passed, subject to certain conditions e.g. the submission of further details on a particular aspect of the work.
- Rejection - the proposal is considered unsatisfactory, and not in compliance with the Building Regulations.
As part of the plan assessment procedure, you or your agent will be contacted on any matters considered unsatisfactory or unclear, and given the opportunity to amend or update the application.
If you make a Building Notice Application, no formal assessment of the proposal is made, and hence no Decision Notice is issued. We will send you a letter acknowledging receipt of your Building Notice.
Following the correct notification of the various stages of your building works by you or your builder, site inspections will be made to assess the work carried out. If all building works are considered satisfactory, we will issue a Completion Certificate.
If you have had to make a Regularisation Application, and the site works are considered satisfactory, a Regularisation Certificate will be issued.
You should retain all Approval Notices, Acknowledgement Letters and Completion/ Regularisation Certificates as these are likely to be requested by prospective purchasers or their Solicitors in any future sale of your property.
Is Building Regulations Approval the same as Planning Permission?
No - Although Building Control Surveyors and Planning Officers work within Planning Services, our functions are totally different and operate under different legislation. We are here to ensure that your building work is carried out to the correct Health and Safety standards, whereas the Planning Officers ensure that development carried out is appropriate for the area and fits in with its surroundings. If your project is likely to be relevant under planning legislation then we can put you in touch with a Planning Officer for advice.
Click here for further advice on the planning application process and our Development Control team
