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Submit a Building Control Application

Use this service if you are planning to build something new or make changes to an existing building. You may need building regulation approval to ensure the work meets safety, energy efficiency and accessibility standards. 

When your work has been inspected at the required stages and meets regulations, you will receive a Compliance Certificate. You will need this if you later sell your home or building. 

You should apply for approval before work starts. If work has already begun, you must tell the Council immediately and apply for Regularisation (Building Regularisation is a process to obtain retrospective approval for building work without prior consent, ensuring it meets required safety standards).

It is illegal to carry out building work without notifying the Council.

Before you start

You may need building regulation approval if you plan to:

  • Put up a new building
  • Extend or alter an existing one
  • Install services or fittings such as drainage, hot water cylinders, replacement windows or fuel‑burning appliances
  • Change the use of a building (where the new use affects compliance)

Building regulations apply to most construction and alteration projects unless the work is specifically exempt.

Submit via the Planning Portal

The Planning Portal online Building Regulation form is the most efficient way to send your application to us. You can pull in information from a previous building control or planning application, upload documents and nominate who will pay the fee.

If you have questions about how to use the Planning Portal, contact the Planning Portal online help centre or call them on 0333 323 4589.

You can also send your application to us using our own online forms. Additional details for each option can be found on this page.

You can also apply directly to us

Submit a Building Control Application

Completing this service should take around 10 minutes.

To complete this service you will need.

  • Your contact information
  • The postcode of the building
  • A description of the proposed work
  • The type of application (Full Plans, Building Notice or Regularisation)
  • Any supporting documents
  • Confirmation that you have read the guidance notes

Costs

Building control fees vary depending on:

  • Type of work
  • Number of inspections required
  • Property size
  • Whether unexpected work is needed beyond the original estimate

Nottingham City Council updates fees periodically, including a revised schedule (1 April 2025) and additional charges where extra work is required.

For high‑risk buildings, an hourly rate applies to work directed by the Building Safety Regulator.

What happens next

After submitting your application:

  1. The Council reviews your information and supporting documents.
  2. You will receive acknowledgement and details of inspections required.
  3. Work may begin depending on your application type (e.g., after 48 hours for Building Notices). 
  4. A surveyor will inspect the work at agreed stages.
  5. When the project complies, you will receive a Compliance Certificate.
Submit a Building Control Application

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