Full Plans application
Full plans form and guidance notes [PDF] (700k)
• You can choose this method for any domestic building work as well as commercial, office and industrial developments.
• For this application, you need to fill in two copies of our Full Plans form [PDF] (477k), our Charges form [PDF] (515k) and submit it with detailed plans and specifications. In the case of the erection or extension of a building, please provide a site location plan at a scale of not less than 1:1250.
• Alternatively you may wish to submit your application electronically using our online submissions system.
• Your plans must clearly show the proposed building or extension, with detailed structural information and calculations. The plans must be to a recognised metric scale i.e. 1:50, 1:100, include all dimensions and clearly show construction details, ground and building levels and boundary distances.
• We will check your application to make sure that it meets the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations. We have a statutory five-week target to make a decision on your application from the date of deposit, although you can agree to extend this to two calendar months, which may provide you with more time in providing any further information which we may require.
• If your application meets the Building Regulations, we will approve it. If it doesn't meet the minimum requirements, we will send you or your agent a schedule of additional information required. We will require amended plans clearly showing your amendments to be submitted to us at least 5 days prior to the decision due date. If you wish to send your amendments electronically, please send them by email to buildingcontrol@guildford.gov.uk
• Where a conditional approval is given you can submit plans clearly showing your amendments to discharge those conditions. The amendments must be returned at least 14 days prior to starting this part of the works.
• You are required to give us notice of the commencement of work and at various stages of construction so we can carry out our site inspections.
Building notice
Building notice form and guidance notes [PDF] (508k)
• This method is ideally suited to minor domestic alterations and extensions, including replacement windows.
• A building notice cannot be used: for a new house fronting on to an unadopted road; or for any non domestic building work and common parts of residential accommodation for which the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies, or will apply after the completion of the building work, or where the erection or extension of a building or work involving the underpinning of a building is either building over or within three metres of a public sewer.
• For this application, you need to fill in two copies of our Building notice form [PDF] (508k), and a Charges form [PDF] (515k).
• In making this application, you are giving us written notice that you intend to carry out building work. You do not have to submit detailed drawings with this application, although in the case of the erection or extension of a building please provide a site location plan at a scale of not less than 1:1250.
• However, we may require more information to make sure that your work is in accordance with the Building Regulations. For example, we may ask for structural calculations, thermal calculations, floor plans etc, although this information would also be useful on deposit of the application.
• Alternatively, you may wish to submit your application electronically using our online submissions system.
• We do not issue formal approval of a building notice. However, we do monitor the work mainly through a number of site inspections on request. As we don't approve your plans before you carry out the work, it is your responsibility to ensure that the proposed building work meets the minimum requirements of the Building Regulations. If we find elements that don't comply, you will need to rectify them.
• You can start work two days after we have received the building notice. You must let us know when the work is being carried out and at various stages of construction so we can carry out our site inspections.
• The building notice and full plan applications are valid for three years from the date we register your application and both cost the same to submit to us.
Unauthorised work (regularisation)
Unauthorised Work (Regularisation) form [PDF] (475k).
Unauthorised Work (Regularisation) guidance notes [PDF] (104k).
• You can only apply for this certificate for work that has been carried out since 11 November 1985.
• You will need to fill in the application form and submit it with copies of any plans, calculations, specifications that you may have.
• Alternatively you may wish to submit your application electronically using our online submissions system.
• The regularisation charge is equivalent to 120% of the net building notice charge. Please note that no VAT is payable on an unauthorised work/regularisation application.
• Following submission of your application, you should contact us to arrange site inspections.
• Please be aware that you may be required to open up or expose certain elements of the work in order that we can assess compliance with the Building Regulations.
• Remedial works may be required following our inspection(s).
• Once we are satisfied that all of the works which have been applied for satisfy the minimum Building Regulation requirements applicable at the time of the construction, a regularisation certificate will be issued.
Demolition notice
Demolition Notice (Section 80) [PDF] (70k)
If you are proposing to demolish a building you will need to submit a demolition notice giving at least 6 weeks notice of any demolition work you are intending which involves all or part of any building unless it is:
• as a result of a demolition order from the council,
• an internal part of an occupied building that will continue to be occupied,
• a building less than 49.6 m³ externally measured,
• a greenhouse, conservatory, shed or prefabricated garage even if it is part of a larger building,
• or, an agricultural building which is not contiguous to another building.
In order for us to process the demolition notice you must also provide:
• a 1:1250 location plan clearly indicating the buildings to be demolished, all adjacent properties and existing drainage systems to be sealed,
• a copy of the method statement indicating safe methods of demolition.
If you have any further questions regarding your proposed demolition please do not hesitate to contact Building Control.
Building Control
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444545
Email: buildingcontrol@guildford.gov.uk