Full Plans Applications
Full plans applications can be deposited for all building work, but must be used for work to premises that are
classed as a relevant use. Relevant use means all premises other than a single dwelling unit as defined by
the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
You must submit the application form, the relevant fee and two copies of detailed plans. Building Control will
assess the information against the requirements of the Building Regulations, carry out any consultations and
communicate to you or your agent any areas that need addressing or where further information is required.
Building Control will carry out the designated number of site inspections during the construction period. You
are allowed to start work before your application is approved, but it is deemed that you are working at your
own risk and works not in accordance with the subsequent approved plans may require amending or
removing.
The benefit of this type of application is the comfort of having an approved plan to work with, which when
followed will satisfy the requirements of the Building Regulations.
The Local Authority must reach a decision on your application within 8 weeks of submission and it is our
intention to provide an initial response within 15 working days. A fully detailed submission is likely to lead to a
faster turnaround on your application.
Full plans will be approved, conditionally approved or rejected. Where a full plans application is withdrawn or
rejected, no further charges are payable on re-submission of the application if it is the same proposed work.
Once we have approved your plans you will receive an electronic approval notice.
Building Notice Applications
Building notice applications can only be used for works to domestic dwellings and it is advised they are only
used for minor works.
This type of application requires you to submit the application form, the relevant fee and any drawings and
technical information. When used for the erection or extension of a dwelling a site plan of 1:1250 scale,
showing the position of the building or building as extended, the property boundaries and width and positions
of adjoining streets must be submitted. The Local Authority can request such details be supplied when
considered necessary, i.e. a Structural Engineer’s calculations and details for structural alterations.
Building Notice applications do not receive a formal approval and any details submitted are not approved by
the Local Authority. Therefore, this application process places a greater emphasis on the owner and builder
to know what they must do to achieve compliance with the Building Regulations. The owner and builder must
ensure that the Building Control Surveyor is allowed to inspect all relevant work.
Without approved plans and details, situations may arise where works have to be amended or removed to
achieve compliance.
Regularisations Applications
The following is without prejudice to the enforcement powers of the authority under Section 36 of the Building
Act 1984.
Two copies of the application form should be completed and submitted together with the plans and
particulars that highlights the unauthorised work, and any additional work required to achieve compliance
with the Building Regulations. When the work comprises or includes one or more extensions, then the total
floor areas may be combined.
You may be required to expose the unauthorised work for inspection, carry out tests, take samples/provide
evidence as the Local Authority deem appropriate to ascertain what work, if any, is required to secure that
the relevant requirements are achieved.
The authority shall then notify you: (a) of the work which is required to comply with the relevant requirements,
or (b) that we cannot determine what work is required to comply with the relevant requirements, or (c) that no
work is required to secure compliance with the relevant requirements.
Where we are satisfied that the relevant requirements are met, an electronic regularisation certificate will be
issued. This can be used as evidence (but not conclusive evidence) that the relevant requirements specified
in the certificate have been complied with.
This does not relieve you of the need to obtain any other statutory consents (e.g. planning permission) that
may be required.
Building Control, St Aldates Chambers, 109-113 St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DS
e. buildingcontrol@oxford.gov.uk t. 01865 252807
