How to make an application

Which type of application is required?

• Building Notice applications
• Full Plans applications

There are two methods of applying for approval of building projects.

For domestic alterations and extensions you can submit a Building Notice giving brief details of your proposals. This should be submitted 48 hours before the work starts together with the statutory fee a location plan, and any drawings and details you may have.

Alternatively if you wish to obtain formal approval for domestic works before the work begins you can submit a Full Plans application. Decisions can take up to five weeks but are usually given much sooner. Once you have received Full Plans approval you can submit a Commencement Notice 48 hours before the work starts. We then inspect the work on site. Works to shops, offices, factories, hotels and boarding houses must be made by the Full Plans route so that we can consult the Fire Brigade to ensure that adequate Fire Precautions measures are provided. Please note if you require/required Planning Permission, this must be granted prior to works commencing on site.

Building Notice Applications

If you submit a Building Notice you can start work on site 24 hours after the Notice is submitted as opposed to the statutory period of 48 hours.  However, the correct fee/location plan must accompany your Notice. Please note if you require/required Planning Permission, this must be granted prior to works commencing on site.

Full Plans Applications

• We set our fees locally within a framework set by the Government. We aim for our fees to be fair and set at a level to cover our costs.
• When making a Full Plans application you should enclose the appropriate fee together with two copies of the drawings and if appropriate, structural calculations, giving full details of your proposals.
• We will acknowledge your application within five days, letting you know if for any reason it is incomplete.
• Although the normal statutory limit for dealing with your Full Plans application is five weeks. We aim to deal with all applications within the time limits set out in the legislation.
• We will only reject your application if it shows major contraventions of the Building Regulations. Wherever possible we will approve it, if necessary with conditions where we need additional information or if minor changes are needed. If you or your agent disagrees with our decision you have the right to appeal to the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

If you would like to speak to a member of the Building Consultancy Team please contact us, details below.

Contact Details

Building Consultancy

Email - buildingconsultancy@chester.gov.uk

Opening hours - 8.45am - 4.45pm

Phone number - 01244 402224

Fax - 01244 321876

Address - Building Consultancy, Development Directorate, Chester City Council, The Forum, Chester, CH1 2HS