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Cardiff Council

www.cardiff.gov.uk

What are building regulations?

​​Building Regulations are:​​​
  • ​​A set of procedural requirements that must be followed by anyone intending to undertake any proposal defined under the regulations as building work.
  • A set of functional requirements that completed building work must deliver in order to achieve reasonable standards of health, safety, welfare and convenience of people in or about buildings.


The scope and extent of building projects covered by the building regulations is defined in Regulation 3 of the official building regulations​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​External link opens in a new window​​ themselves. 

Your architect or ​designer or builder will usually check if you need building regulation approval, but it is the building owner, or the person who commissions the work, who is ultimately responsible for ensuring this is obtained.

Highly qualified and experienced teams of surveyors in the Council’s Building Control Section will examine plans, carry out site inspections of work in progress and assist you at all stages of the both the procedural and construction processes.

Please note that Planning permission​ is not the same thing as approval under the building regulations. In the majority of cases both permission to carry out building work i.e. Planning Permission and approval under the building regulations i.e. how the building will perform when completed, will be required. However, there are exceptions and it is possible for certain types of building project to need (planning) permission but not building regulation approval and for some types of building project to need building regulation approval but not (planning) permission. It is advisable that unless you, or your advisers, are certain that advice is sought from the Council as any work carried out without the relevant permission and / or approval can be required to be altered or removed.  


What is the cost of Building Regulations Approval?



​The cost of the building regulation approval process varies depending on the type, nature and extent of the building work you propose to carry out. 

The charges are governed by the Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations are determined by a number of factors defined in these regulations. Some of the charges applicable can be obtained from our standard table of c​harges. It is not possible to list all of the charges for all of the combinations, types and scales of building work possible. Please contact us for further advice and guidance. 


​Current Charges

Single Storey dwelling (per design layout)

Plan charge: £239.09
Inspection charge: £334.04
Total charge: £582.12

Building notice charge: £582.12
Regularisation Charge: £776.16


Two Storey dwelling (per design layout)

Plan charge: £311.85
Inspection charge: £446.99
Total charge: £758.84

Building notice charge: £758.84
Regularisation Charge: £919.80


Three storey, or over, dwelling (per design layout)

Plan charge: £363.83
Inspection charge: £623.70
Total charge: £987.53

Building notice charge: £987.53
Regularisation Charge: £1,316.70


For each additional dwelling of the same 'type/design' add 0.15 of the plan charge and add 0.25 of the inspection charge.

Extra Charge for Part P notifiable work not carried out by a registered Domestic Installer that is a member of an approved Competent Person Scheme (per dwelling): £455.07

Part P charge will apply unless using a registered Domestic Installer that is a member of an approved Competent Person Scheme (Registration details of installer must be supplied or the charge will apply).

The standard charges set out above have been set by this Authority on the basis that the building work does not consist of, or include, innovative or high risk construction techniques and/or the duration of the building work, from commencement to completion, does not exceed 12 months and that commencement of work is undertaken within 6 months of submission of the application/notice. It is also assumed that the design and building work will be undertaken by a person or company that has the competency to carry out the relevant design and building work required in compliance with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case then the work may incur a supplementary charge.

For developments consisting of more than 15 dwellings please contact Building Control by e-mail to buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk including as much detail as possible for a bespoke charge based on the specific requirements of the work to be calculated.

All charges, except the Regularisation charge, are inclusive of VAT at the standard rate. No vat is payable on regularisation applications.

Flats/Maisonettes up to 5 Storeys in Block

Plan charge: £519.75
Inspection charge: £623.70
Total charge: £1,143.45

Building notice charge: £1,143.45
Regularisation Charge: £1,524.60




Flats/Maisonettes up to 10 Storeys in Block

Plan charge: £779.63
Inspection charge: £1,039.50
Total charge: £1,819.13

Building notice charge: £1,819.13
Regularisation Charge: £2,425.50



For each additional dwelling of the same 'type/design' add 0.15 of the plan charge and add 0.25 of the inspection charge.

Extra Charge for Part P notifiable work not carried out by a registered Domestic Installer that is a member of an approved Competent Person Scheme (per dwelling): £455.07

Part P charge will apply unless using a registered Domestic Installer that is a member of an approved Competent Person Scheme (Registration details of installer must be supplied or the charge will apply).


The standard charges set out above have been set by this Authority on the basis that the building work does not consist of, or include, innovative or high risk construction techniques and/or the duration of the building work, from commencement to completion, does not exceed 12 months and that commencement of work is undertaken within 6 months of submission of the application/notice. It is also assumed that the design and building work will be undertaken by a person or company that has the competency to carry out the relevant design and building work required in compliance with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case then the work may incur a supplementary charge.

For developments consisting of more than 15 dwellings please contact Building Control by e-mail to buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk including as much detail as possible for a bespoke charge based on the specific requirements of the work to be calculated.

All charges, except the Regularisation charge, are inclusive of VAT at the standard rate. No vat is payable on regularisation applications.

1) Erection or extension of a detached or attached building which consists of a single storey garage or carport or both and intended to be used in common with an existing domestic building, and which is not an exempt building.

Plan charge: £103.95
Inspection charge: £187.11
Total charge: £291.06

Building notice charge: £291.06
Regularisation Charge: £388.08


2) Any single storey extension of a dwelling the total floor area of which does not exceed 25m2, including means of access and any external works in connection with that extension.

Plan charge: £155.93
Inspection charge: £415.80
Total charge: £571.73

Building notice charge: £571.73
Regularisation Charge: £762.30


3) Any single storey extension of a dwelling the total floor area of which exceeds 25m2 including means of access and any external works in connection with that extension.

Plan charge: £207.90
Inspection charge: £415.80
Total charge: £623.70

Building notice charge: £623.70
Regularisation Charge: £831.60


4) Any two storey extension of a dwelling the total floor area of which does not exceed 50m2, including means of access and any external works in connection with that extension.

Plan charge: £259.88
Inspection charge: £415.80
Total charge: £675.68

Building notice charge: £675.68
Regularisation Charge: £900.90


5) Any two storey extension of a dwelling the total floor area of which exceeds 50m2 including means of access and any external works in connection with that extension.

Plan charge: £311.85
Inspection charge: £467.78
Total charge: £779.63

Building notice charge: £779.63
Regularisation Charge: £1,048.95


6) Loft conversion (including associated dormers and/or conversion of hip roof to gable end).

Plan charge: £207.90
Inspection charge: £311.85
Total charge: £519.75

Building notice charge: £519.75
Regularisation Charge: £693.00


7) Conversion of an attached garage into a habitable room.

Plan charge: £103.95
Inspection charge: £207.90
Total charge: £311.85

Building notice charge: £311.85
Regularisation Charge: £415.80


8) The provision, extension or material alteration of a controlled service or fitting in, or in connection with, an existing dwelling (excludes electrical work).*

Plan charge: £103.95
Inspection charge: £103.95
Total charge: £207.90

Building notice charge: £207.90
Regularisation Charge: £277.20


9) Work involving the underpinning of a single dwelling.

Plan charge: £103.95
Inspection charge: £207.90
Total charge: £311.85

Building notice charge: £311.85
Regularisation Charge: £415.80


10) Renovation of thermal element(s) to a single dwelling.

Plan charge: £103.95
Inspection charge: £207.90
Total charge: £311.85

Building notice charge: £311.85
Regularisation Charge: £415.80


11) Any material alteration to a single dwelling.

Plan charge: £103.95
Inspection charge: £207.90
Total charge: £311.85

Building notice charge: £311.85
Regularisation Charge: £415.80


12) Electrical work to an existing dwelling not undertaken by a registered domestic installer qualified to complete and provide BS 7671 installation, commissioning and testing certificates.*

Plan charge: £155.93
Inspection charge: £207.90
Total charge: £363.83

Building notice charge: £363.83
Regularisation Charge: £485.10



Where it is deemed necessary by the Building Control Surveyor to engage a consultant to assist in the checking/interpretation of complex calculations and/or specialist reports the cost of engaging any such consultant will be levied as an additional charge once the final costs are known.

Any charges not expressly described in the tables above are subject to individual determination by the Building Control Surveyor upon receipt of all the relevant details relating to the proposal. Please provide this information to Building Control by e-mail to buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk ncluding as much detail as possible for a bespoke charge based on the specific requirements of the work to be calculated.

The standard charges set out above have been set by this Authority on the basis that the building work does not consist of, or include, innovative or high risk construction techniques and/or the duration of the building work, from commencement to completion, does not exceed 12 months and that commencement of work is undertaken within 6 months of submission of the application/notice. There is also an assumption that the design and building work will be undertaken by a person or company that has the competency to ensure that their relevant design and building work demonstrates compliance with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case then the work may incur a supplementary charge.

If you carry out multiple extensions and/or material alterations at the same time you may be entitled to have the charge individually determined, as outlined above.

A material alteration is defined in Regulation 3(2) of the principal regulations, i.e. the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended).

All charges, except the Regularisation Charge, are inclusive of VAT at the standard prevailing rate. No vat is payable on regularisation applications.

* N.B. for items 8 and 12 above the application will need to be supported by third party testing and commissioning certificates, arranged, commissioned and supplied by the applicant, for all electrical work and any provision of solid/duel fuel heat producing appliances. 

​ 

For the purposes of these charges, there is a material change of use where there is a change in the purposes for which, or the circumstances in which, a building is used, so that after that change.

The building is used as a dwelling, where previously it was not.

Plan charge: £343.04
Inspection charge: £415.80
Total charge: £758.84

Building notice charge: £758.84
Regularisation Charge: £1,011.78


The building contains a flat, where previously it did not (up to a maximum of 4 flats being created).

Plan charge: £363.83
Inspection charge: £519.75
Total charge: £883.58

Building notice charge: £883.58
Regularisation Charge: £1,178.10


The building is used as a hotel or a boarding house, where previously it was not (up to a maximum of 10 rooms being created).

Plan charge: £363.83
Inspection charge: £831.60
Total charge: £1,195.43

Regularisation Charge: £1,593.90


The building is used as an institution where previously it was not.

Contact Building Control on buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk


The building is used as a public building where previously it was not.

Contact Building Control on buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk


The building is not a building described in Classes I to VI in Schedule 2 of the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) where previously it was.

Contact Building Control on buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk


The building, which contains at least one dwelling, contains a greater or lesser number of dwellings than it did previously.

Contact Building Control on buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk


The building contains a room for residential purposes, where previously it did not (up to a maximum of 4 rooms being created).

Plan charge: £363.83
Inspection charge: £831.60
Total charge: £1,195.43

Regularisation Charge: £1,593.90


The building, which contains at least one room for residential purposes, contains a greater or lesser number of such rooms than it did previously.

Contact Building Control on buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk


The building is used as a shop, where previously it was not.

Contact Building Control on buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk



Where it is deemed necessary by the Building Control Surveyor to engage a consultant to assist in the checking/interpretation of complex calculations and/or specialist reports the cost of engaging any such consultant will be levied as an additional charge once the final costs are known.

Any works not expressly described in the tables above are subject to an individually determined charge calculated by the Building Control Surveyor upon receipt of all the relevant details relating to the proposal. Please provide this information to Building Control by email to buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk including as much detail as possible for a bespoke charge based on the specific requirements of the work to be calculated. The standard charges set out above have been set by this Authority on the basis that the building work does not consist of, or include, innovative or high risk construction techniques and/or the duration of the building work, from commencement to completion, does not exceed 12 months and that commencement of work is undertaken within 6 months of submission of the application/notice. There is also an assumption that the design and building work will be undertaken by a person or company that has the competency to ensure that their relevant design and building work demonstrates compliance with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case then the work may incur a supplementary charge.

The standard charges set out above for the material change of use of a building do not include any other work described elsewhere in Tables B, D or E which is carried out in conjunction with the work to change the use of that building e.g. any extensions, loft conversions etc. will attract a further charge as outlined in the relevant tables.

All charges, except the Regularisation Charge, are inclusive of VAT at the standard. Regularisation charges are not subject to vat.



Floor area not exceeding 250m2. Not exceeding 2 storeys.

Plan charge: £1,039.50
Inspection charge: £1,559.25
Total charge: £2,598.75

Regularisation Charge: £3,465


Floor area exceeding 250m2 but not exceeding 1,000m2. Not exceeding 2 storeys.

Plan charge: £1,455.30
Inspection charge: £2,182.95
Total charge: £3,638.25

Regularisation Charge: £4,851



 

Where it is deemed necessary by the Building Control Surveyor to engage a consultant to assist in the checking/interpretation of complex calculations and/or specialist reports the cost of engaging any such consultant will be levied as an additional charge.

Any charges not expressly described in the tables above are subject to individual determination by the Building Control Surveyor upon receipt of all the relevant details relating to the proposal. Please provide this information to Building Control by e-mail to buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk including as much detail as possible for a bespoke charge based on the specific requirements of the work to be calculated.

The standard charges set out above have been set by this Authority on the basis that the building work does not consist of, or include, innovative or high risk construction techniques and/or the duration of the building work, from commencement to completion, does not exceed 12 months and that commencement of work is undertaken within 6 months of submission of the application/notice. There is also an assumption that the design and building work will be undertaken by a person or company that has the competency to ensure that their relevant design and building work demonstrates compliance with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case then the work may incur a supplementary charge.

All charges, except the Regularisation Charge, are inclusive of VAT at the standard prevailing rate. Regularisation charges are not subject to vat.​

Window replacement where not engaging a member of a registered self-certification scheme. Maximum 20 units.

Plan charge: £129.94
Inspection charge: £233.89
Total charge: £363.83

Regularisation Charge: £485.10


Renovation of thermal element(s) to a single building. Building not exceeding 4 storeys.

Plan charge: £233.89
Inspection charge: £233.89
Total charge: £467.78

Regularisation Charge: £623.70


The provision, extension or alteration of a controlled service in, or in connection with, an existing non domestic building.

Plan charge: £182.18
Inspection charge: £233.89
Total charge: £415.80

Regularisation Charge: £554.40

Premises, or shell and core, fit out works etc. where the building does not exceed 1,000m2.

Plan charge: £311.85
Inspection charge: £623.70
Total charge: £935.55


Regularisation Charge: £1,247.40


Installation of a mezzanine floor in any non-domestic building up to a maximum of 450m2 mezzanine area.

Plan charge: £207.90
Inspection charge: £311.85
Total charge: £519.75

Regularisation Charge: £831.60


Installation of a mezzanine floor in any non-domestic building up to a maximum of 750m2 mezzanine area.

Plan charge: £363.83
Inspection charge: £519.75
Total charge: £883.58

Regularisation Charge: £1,413.72


Installation of a mezzanine floor in any non-domestic building up to a maximum of 1050m2 mezzanine area.

Plan charge: £415.80
Inspection charge: £800.42
Total charge: £1,216.22

Regularisation Charge: £1,945.02


Any material alteration not described above including any structural alterations etc. in a building not exceeding 1,000m2 or 3 storeys in height.

Plan charge: £207.90
Inspection charge: £519.75
Total charge: £727.65

Regularisation Charge: £1,164.24


Where it is deemed necessary by the Building Control Surveyor to engage a consultant to assist in the checking/interpretation of complex calculations and/or specialist reports the cost of engaging any such consultant will be levied as an additional charge.

Any charges not expressly described in the tables above are subject to individual determination by the Building Control Surveyor upon receipt of all the relevant details relating to the proposal. Please contact Building Control for an individually determined charge which will be based on the specific requirements of the work. If you require an individually determined charge please submit an e-mail request to buildingcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk including as much detail as possible.

The standard charges set out above have been set by this Authority on the basis that the building work does not consist of, or include, innovative or high risk construction techniques and/or the duration of the building work, from commencement to completion, does not exceed 12 months and that commencement of work is undertaken within 6 months of submission of the application/notice. There is also an assumption that the design and building work will be undertaken by a person or company that has the competency to ensure that their relevant design and building work demonstrates compliance with the Building Regulations. If this is not the case then the work may incur a supplementary charge.

All charges, except the Regularisation Charge, are inclusive of VAT at the standard prevailing rate. Regularisation charges are not subject to vat.

Contact us



You can contact the team on any of the following numbers:

029 2233 0383
029 2233 0382
029 2233 0381
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