You can submit a building notice for small domestic works, new houses and extensions.
High risk buildings applications
From 1 October2023 any building control applications for buildings that meet the high risk building definition can only be submitted directly to the Building Safety Regulator Go to https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2023/9780348242812/contents (opens new window).
For more information on this change visit Health and Safety Executive: Building Safety Regulator Go to https://www.hse.gov.uk/building-safety/regulator.htm (opens new window).
You don't get formal approval like you do with full plans, but we'll acknowledge your building notice.
If you're constructing a loft conversion, we would advise you to make a full plans application. Further information is usually needed, for example structural calculations.
If you've already started work see make a regularisation application.
Check if you need building regulations approval.
How to submit your building notice
Submit online with Building Control Portal
Portal is the fastest way to make a submission as your notice is created in our database.
You can drag and drop multiple plans and documents as one process.
Include the applicant's email address in your application, so we can send them important documents relating to their application.
Apply online with Building Control Portal
Before you can use Portal you must first create a user account.
For user advice see our pdf short guide on using Portal (164 KB) .
Using Portal
What fee is payable
Check the section on pdf fee charges (183 KB) to find out the cost of your application or put in a bespoke quote enquiry, before applying.
You can then enter this fee upon submitting your application in via the Portal.
The Portal provides options to:
- select payment method as ‘Local Authority Website' to be redirected to our online payment system, or
- choose to pay by phone
Your application is only valid once this fee is paid.
Submitting your application
To submit your application you must select next at the top of the page once all sections have been completed. You must then select I accept and submit. Otherwise the application will remain as draft.
Other ways to submit your building notice
Online form
You can also submit a notice using our online form:
Building notice submission form
Postal submission
Fill in the pdf building notice form (388 KB) or call us on 0117 922 3000 and we'll fill in the form for you and take payment.
You'll need to include
- estimated cost of work (where applicable)
- pdf correct fee (183 KB)
What happens next
We'll acknowledge your building notice.
We may ask for any plans of the work or calculations.
You won't get a formal decision notice.
You'll need to book a site inspection.
You can start work two days after your notice has been submitted.