Apply for building regulation approval
If you are unsure if you need building regulation approval or not, please view do I need building regulation approval.
Before you start work
It is illegal to start work without notifying us first. You might have to correct the work or pay a fine if you do not tell us about it.
You will also need a certificate of compliance if you want to sell your home.
If you do not obtain a completion certificate it may void the insurance policy on the property. It is strongly advised you check this with your insurer.
Apply for building regulations approval
Once it has been established that the work you intend to do does need building regulation approval, there are 2 ways you can apply.
- full plans application
- building notice
The easiest and quickest way to apply for building regulation approval is online through the Planning Portal. The Planning Portal is an external website used by local councils in England and Wales as part of the building regulation process.
Apply for building regulation approval
On the Planning Portal you will be able to register, complete your application form, upload supporting documents and pay fees online.
Submitting your application and paying fees online will make the process much faster and more efficient.
The Planning Portal will guide you through the process, but if you need any further help making your online application you can contact the Planning Portal service desk.
Full plans application
Full plans means the submission of detailed plans including specifications, calculations and other supporting documentation required to help us check your proposal for compliance with building regulations. The exact level of detail required will largely depend on the size and type of work proposed.
You can make a full plans application online using the Planning Portal.
Alternatively you can download the full plans application form (PDF) [161KB] , complete and return to us by email to building.control@chorley.gov.uk.
A copy of the form should be completed and submitted with the plans and particulars. If the building is subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 then an additional 2 sets of plans will be required.
Full plans application fees
Subject to certain exceptions, a full plans submission attracts a charge payable in 2 stages.
The first charge must accompany the plans and the second charge is invoiced following the first site inspection. This second charge covers all the site visits and consultations which are necessary through to completion.
If your application is submitted using the Planning Portal, you will pay your initial fee on application on the Planning Portal website. You will be invoiced by us for any future payments.
You can pay an invoice online or alternatively you can make a payment by calling us on 01257 515162.
View more information on building regulation fees.
Apply for a building notice
For minor work on single family houses such as garage conversions, toilet installations and small extensions.
You do not need to submit any plans but you must be confident that the work being done will comply with building regulations. You risk having to fix any issues after we have inspected if it is not correct.
You can make a building notice application online using the Planning Portal.
Alternatively you can download the building notice application form (PDF) [166KB] , complete and return to us by email to building.control@chorley.gov.uk.
A copy of the form should be completed and where the proposed work includes the erection of a new building or extension a location plan should also be included.
Building notice - electrical work
For electrical work carried out by a person who is not Part P registered. This relates only to the notifiable work below:
- new consumer unit
- new electrical circuit
- rooms containing a swimming pool or sauna heater
- work within certain zones in a room containing a bath or shower.
You can make an electrical work building notice application online using the Planning Portal.
Apply for electrical work building notice
Alternatively you can download the electrical work building notice application form (PDF) [226KB] , complete and return to us by email to building.control@chorley.gov.uk.
Apply for replacement windows or doors building notice
For replacement windows and doors if the glazing in the door is greater than 50% and the installer is not registered with an appropriate competent persons scheme.
Please note an application is not required for the replacement of glazing only.
You can make an building notice application for windows and doors online using the Planning Portal.
Apply for replacement windows and door building notice
Alternatively you can download the windows and doors building notice application form (PDF) [171KB] , complete and return to us by email to building.control@chorley.gov.uk.
Building notice application fees
Subject to certain exceptions, a building notice attracts a single payment to cover all necessary site inspections and administrative costs. View more information on building regulation fees and charges.
If your application is submitted using the Planning Portal, you will pay the fee on application on the Planning Portal website.
If you have already started work
If you started work without getting building regulations approval you must now apply. This is known as a regularisation application.
We will check to see if the work meets the building regulation standards and issue you a certificate if it does. If it does not meet standards you might have to correct the work or pay a fine.
Please note: You cannot get approval for any work completed before 12 November 1985.
You can apply for building regulation approval for work you have already started online using the Planning Portal.
Apply for building regulation approval
Alternatively you can download the regularisation building notice application form (PDF) [192KB] , complete and return it to us by email to building.control@chorley.gov.uk.
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