Regularisation guidance notes

Step 1

Make an application for a regularisation certificate using the regularisation application form, which must be accompanied with the following information:

• A plan of the work to a suitable scale, (1:50 or 1:100) identifying the building before and after the work was carried out.
• A written specification identifying the construction and materials used.
• The date of when the work was carried out.
• A plan identifying any extra work proposed to comply with the regulations.
• The application fee will depend on the scale of the works, please contact the team to discuss the fee.

Step 2

Once we have received this information, we will validate the application and send you a letter to confirm that we have accepted it. However, we may need further information and we will contact you again to discuss what is needed.

Step 3

The next step is for you to arrange an inspection of the work by the team. Most inspections are carried out between 10am and 2pm. Although we cannot arrange fixed appointments, if preferred, we can give you adequate notice before we arrive on site.

Step 4

A member of the team will identify areas of work that will have to be opened up for inspection, and may also ask for extra information to make the assessment.

Step 5

Before we can make a decision, we must be satisfied that we have been given all the relevant facts. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide this information and arrange for work to be exposed and/or tested where required.

Step 6

We will make one of the following decisions:

• A regularisation certificate will be issued for the work.
• A regularisation certificate cannot be issued, but we can confirm that the council does not intend to take any further action.
• Insufficient information has been provided for a decision to be reached.
• A regularisation certificate cannot be issued and, as the contraventions are extremely serious, Central Building Control Partnership may have to take action to remove or pull down the offending work, to protect people in and about the building.

Once satisfied, we will issue a regularisation certificate, which demonstrates that the work, as far as can reasonably be established, satisfies the requirements of the relevant legislation.

This certificate protects owners against future action under the relevant legislation by the relevant council and provides confidence to insurers, potential buyers, and anyone else that has an interest in the property that the requirements of the regulations have been met. However, it is not a warranty for the work. We accept no responsibility for any subsequent defect discovered.

In cases where the work was completed a long time ago, the design life of the work, such as a flat roof, may be limited and dilapidation due to age and lack of maintenance will not usually affect the decision, unless there is a clear defect that was caused by a contravention of the regulations.

Examples

Here are some examples of the information that is usually needed and the work that generally needs to be exposed during the inspection:

Extension

Information needed:

• Plans and specification
• Structural calculations for beams
• Electrical certification for work carried out after January 2005
• Drainage layout to be provided showing existing and new drainage

Work to be exposed

• Trial hole required exposing the foundations and ground conditions
• Part of the wall to be removed from the outside exposing the damp proof course, wall construction and floor construction
• Access covers removed to allow inspection of the drains
• Trial hole required exposing the drainage construction
• Access required to the roof void or expose sufficient area to inspect the structure, insulation and ventilation provision

Other information may be needed, depending on the findings of inspection.