There are two ways in which you can apply for permission to build:

Application by full plans

The full plans procedure is suitable for use with all types of building works and is especially useful for the following works:

• new buildings
• extensions and alterations to any building which is used for a purpose designated under the Fire Precautions Act 1971 or to which the Health & Safety at Work (Fire Precautions) Regulations apply
• extensive internal structural alterations to any building
• the formation of a room in the roof space.         

The benefits of the full plans procedure are:

• you will be advised within three weeks of any amendments or additional information that may be required to your plans
• you will be issued with a decision notice
• you have the reassurance that provided you build to the approved plan your works will satisfy the requirements of the regulations.         

The full plans procedure

Prepare scaled plans including full specifications (you may wish to engage an architect or surveyor).

• check for the charges on our charges guidance note
• complete the application form
• telephone for help if you have a problem (01925 442819)
• post or deliver the application form, the correct charge together with two copies of your plans (four copies if the works involve means of escape in case of fire) to the address below.         

Building Control, Building Control, Environment Services, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NH.  You can also call 01925 442819 or email building.control@warrington.gov.uk

Application by building notice

The building notice procedure can be used for any works that do not affect means of escape in case of fire in connection with a building used for a purpose designated under the Fire Precautions Act. 1971 it is especially suitable for the following building works:

• minor internal structural alterations to domestic property involving the removal of one or two walls or the removal of a chimneybreast
• small single storey domestic extensions of simple design
• conversion of garage or similar outbuilding into living accommodation
• detached outbuildings where not exempt from the regulations
• new chimneys or flues
• installation of boilers or other heating appliance (unless the installation is carried out by a registered CORGI installer)
• the provision of a new bathroom, shower or WC
• replacement of roof covering material
• underpinning of foundations
• installation of insulation material in an existing cavity wall
• installation of a controlled service or fitting.

The benefits of the building notice procedure are:

• the building notice procedure is simpler than the Full Plans procedure
• there is no need to produce detailed scaled drawings and specifications
• work can commence 48 hours after deposit of notice.         

The disadvantages of using the building notice procedure:

• the total charges for the works are required on deposit of the notice
• as no plans are submitted no approval notice is issued
• as there are no approved plans there is a greater risk that alterations may be needed to comply with the regulations at a later stage.         

The building notice procedure

• check for the charges on our charges guidance note
• complete the application form
• if the works involve building an extension provide a site location plan
• post or deliver the application form with the correct charge to the address above.       

Application forms

Building_control_application_form.pdf