Apply for building control

Building control process

There are three different application types:

• Full plans – The plans, specifications and other supporting documents are provided for ‘approval’, where a Registered Building Inspector reviews them for compliance, identifying any areas of non-compliance. As compliance is checked prior to works commencing the risk of issues on site is reduced.
• Building notice – Is for smaller, less complex works such as small (<10m2) extensions, internal alternations, or window replacements. The works are assessed on site however information, such as structural calculations may still be required. Building Notices cannot be used for certain works such as works over sewers and commercial works. 
• Regularisation – Where works have started or been completed without the required approvals this application type should be used. As much information should be provided as possible, any additional information required will be quoted for.

Duties of a client

The Building Regulations place responsibility for managing a construction project on three main duty holders.

As the client, you have overall responsibility for the successful management of the project and must appoint a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor to assist in different phases of the project. To help you manage those duties we have produced a set of forms that you need to return at certain key stages in the process – it is important that you do not forget to do this. Domestic Clients can ask the Principal Designer or Principal Contractor to undertake these duties for them, but this does not remove your legal responsibility.

Application Forms

Applications should be made using the following application forms until further notice. These can either printed and posted to the address on the form or completed digitally and emailed to building.control@reading.gov.uk.

RBC Building Control Application Form

Regularisation Application Form

Certain works require additional information with the application form in order to be validated when payment is received. It is important all sections of the form are completed where applicable. If you are unsure if a section is relevant, please contact us.

Fees/Quotations

Guidance on Fee Remission/Exception

The building regulation charge for the majority of domestic extensions and alterations are standard charges, examples of these can be found below. If you are undertaking multiple works then the price will be adjusted depending on whether all the works are being completed at the same time.

Works	Building Notice	Full Plans – Plan Check	Full Plans – Inspection
Small Extension (Under 10m2)	£730	£292	£438
Medium Extension (Up to 40m2)	£885	£354	£531
Large Extension (Up to 60m2)	£990	£396	£594
Loft Conversion (Up to 50m2)	£930	£372	£558
Garage conversion (Single Garage)	£575	£230	£345
Structural Alterations (Beams, Chimney Removal)	£285	£114	£171

The hourly rate for reimbursement of the cost of support provided by Reading Building Control to the Building Safety Regulator under Section 13 of the Building Safety Act 2022 for 2025/26 is £111.  

To request a quotation, send the completed application forms for the works and we will confirm the fees for the works.

Payment

Once you have submitted the application and received a fee for the works, you will need to make payment for us to process it.

The easiest way to make a payment is online.

If you are unable to pay online, you can email us at building.control@reading.gov.uk to arrange a different payment method.