Regularising unlawful work and enforcement

Enforcement works

If we are notified that works have been carried out that are not compliant with building regulations or no application for building regulations has been made, we have powers to take formal enforcement action, which can include issuing compliance notices, stop notices or serving a notice under Section 36 which can require the removal or alteration of the illegal works. This could include taking the building owner to court. This is why we always recommend you apply for building regulations before starting work.

If you have carried out works without building regulations

If you have carried out works (unless the works date from before 11 November 1985) without building regulation approval, you can apply for a regularisation certificate.

Regularisation applications can be a lengthy process, especially if extensive work is required to bring a building back up to standard, which you will need to do at your cost.

You will need to provide:

• Before and after plans
• A specification of the work
• Complete an application form
• Pay the regularisation fee

It is not our responsibility to dig trial holes, cut into roofs, walls, or floors etc., or expose drainage.

In order for us to inspect your works, you will need to open up and uncover the work, so we can inspect and check it.

As long as the work meets the requirements of the regulations at the time the work was carried out, we will issue you with a regularisation certificate, however if it does not meet the relevant standards you will need to bring the building up to standard at your own cost.

This application cannot be used to apply for retrospective planning permission. You will need to contact your local council’s planning team for this service.