Regularisation of building work

If building work has been carried out at your property without Building Regulations approval, you may apply retrospectively using our application form (PDF). If parts of the building fabric have been covered up, the building inspector may require them to be uncovered, and any contraventions put right. Once we are satisfied that the work is in compliance with the Regulations, we should be able to issue a completion certificate.

This Regularisation process can only be used for work commenced on or after 11 November 1985, where Building Regulation approval would have been required but was not sought.

The first step is to send in a valid application form, with two sets of plans showing what work has been carried out. The Regularisation fee is 150% of the relevant Building Notice charge, but does not incur VAT. 

Reporting unauthorised building works

Unauthorised work is building work that has started without a Building Regulation application being deposited.

Report unauthorised work and contraventions or contact the Building Control section for further information.

Irrespective of the main purpose of the regulations, failure to be able to demonstrate that approval has been obtained for building works, can affect the sale of properties.

Building Control enforcement

Building Control can take enforcement action against building work in contravention of the building regulations. In the worst cases, this could involve a notice requiring the work is removed or even action through the courts to seek a substantial financial penalty.

Retrospective planning permission

If works have taken place without the necessary Planning Permission in place, it may be necessary to make a retrospective planning application. For further information, look at the Planning section of the website.