1. Access to data and documents
The Building Scotland Act requires local authorities to keep a Building Standards Register for the geographical area of
the authority. The register consists of two parts, Part 1 containing data and Part 2 containing documents.
For work undertaken from 2000 onwards, the Part 1 information on building warrants and completion certificates,
including reference numbers, significant dates (received, valid and decision), details of the applicant, agent and owner,
property address, proposed use and certification, is available online for free from the Building Standards Register, at
www.midlothian.gov.uk/buildingstandards.
For work undertaken before 2000, the same Part 1 information is held on a mix of an electronic system, paper cards and
ledgers. Access can be arranged for free, but you should be aware that finding the information you require can be time
consuming. Viewing of these documents is by appointment only – please telephone 0131 271 3419 to book an
appointment.
Copies of documents held in Part 2 can be requested by submitting this form and the required fee.
2. Number of applications
For a single property enquiry, a Copy Documents application and associated fee is required for each building warrant.
For a multiple plot enquiry, a Copy Documents application and associated fee is required for each plot.
3. Fee payment
In all cases, the relevant fee requires to be received before requested documents can be searched for, located in and
retrieved from our archive, and copies issued.
4. ‘Interested party’
For domestic properties, viewing or copying of documents and plans is only available to an ‘interested party’ (or their
agent). An ‘interested party’ is defined as an owner, tenant, or occupier, or prospective owner, tenant, or occupier of the
relevant building or adjoining building. Adjoining land is not considered to be an ‘adjoining building’.
5. Consent for non-residential properties
Due to security matters for non-residential properties, we shall advise if you are required to seek consent from the owner
for viewing or copying documents.
6. Standard Service performance
Our performance target for a response to your Standard Service request is within 20 working days. Where our workload
permits, we will try to respond within a shorter timescale.
7. Express Service performance
Our performance target for a response to your Express Service request is within 3 working days. Please note that the
Express service is offered only if our workload permits. Please call 0131 271 3419 to discuss, prior to submitting your
Express Service request.
8. Issue of building warrant documentation
If you have only requested copies of a building warrant and a completion certificate, scanned copies of documents will
be emailed to you. If emailing is not suitable, we can arrange for the documents to be posted out to you.
9. Standard set of copy drawings or plans
Where available, a standard set of copy drawings and plans includes 5 documents, encompassing a site plan, a floor plan,
elevations, sections and a specification. Other documents cannot be substituted for these documents. If you require
additional copy drawings and plans, please provide details in Part 6 of the form.
10. Issue of drawings and plans
Copies of drawings and plans will be issued as paper copies.
11. Copyright notice on issued drawings and plans
Copies of drawings and plans will be overmarked: ‘This copy has been made by or with the authority of Midlothian
Council pursuant to Section 47 of the Design and Patents Act 1988. Unless that Act provides a relevant exception to
copyright, the copy must not be copied without the prior permission of the copyright owner.’
12. Returning your application and fee
Please return your form and fee to:
Mail: Building Standards, Fairfield House, 8 Lothian Road, Dalkeith Midlothian EH22 3ZN
Email: building.standards@midlothian.gov.uk
13. Further guidance
Further guidance is available on our website, at www.midlothian.gov.uk/buildingstandards
14. Data Protection Act 2018
For information on how your personal data is used by Building Standards visit our data protection page here.