Building regulations charges scheme

The level of charge for the service depends upon the type of work being carried out. At present there are three schedules for the work, these being:

• Schedule 1 - New dwellings
• Schedule 2 - Certain small buildings and domestic extensions
• Schedule 3 - Other work not covered by schedules 1 and 2 (based on estimated cost of work)

Calculating the fee

What type of work will you be carrying out?

Small domestic buildings (new houses, flats etc) - Schedule 1

The internal floor area of each unit must be less than 300m² (excluding any garage or car port, and the building has not more than 3 storeys), for properties with floor areas greater than this (or more than 3 storeys), the charge will be based on the estimate of cost of works as in Schedule 3.

Small domestic extensions, carports or garages - Schedule 2

Where extensions have a floor area exceeding 60m² the charge will be based on estimate of cost of works as in schedule 3. (Floor Area means area measured internally between the surfaces of external wall.)

Other alterations - Schedule 3

This is for all other works not specified in Schedules 1 and 2. For schedule 3 work it is necessary to submit an estimated cost of works to indicate a valuation for the project. This should be based on a commercial value for completing the works rather than the actual cost (which might be sometimes less due to say, an applicant undertaking part of the works him/herself).

Loft Conversion - Use Schedule 3

Please note that the fee is based on the estimated cost of the works subject to a minimum fee of £ 496.00 (inc VAT) for a building notice application or £160.00 (inc VAT) for a full plans plan fee.

Regularisation applications

Regularisation fees are calculated on the cost of the works. The charge required when depositing an application for regularisation is 120% of the appropriate Building notice fee i.e. 120% of the plan fee and the inspection fee. This type of application is exempt from VAT.

All works under Building regulations attract a fee. The only exemptions are where the works are exclusively for a person with a disability.

Exemptions for work to provide access and facilities for disabled persons

Charges are not payable when the proposed work is to provide access and facilities in an existing dwelling or an extension to store equipment or provide medical treatment for a disabled person. In order to claim exemption, the appropriate evidence, as to the relevance of the adaptation for the person's disability must support any application. (This could be an occupational therapists recommendation)

N.B. The online fee calculator is provided for information purposes only. All calculations on submitted applications will be checked and verified by the Building Control section prior to validation.