Building Control Charges

New VAT Rate

In line with the increase in the standard rate of VAT on 4 January 2011, the charges for Building Regulation applications will be subject to VAT at 20%. Should you have any queries about this please contact the Building Control Department on 01702 318082.

Please see revised Building Control Charge Tables in the Related Documents section at the bottom of the page.

When you submit a building regulation application you will have to pay a fee, known as a 'Charge', to Rochford District Council based on the type or cost of the works. The fee covers the costs incurred by the Council of carrying out the Building Regulation process, i.e. plan checking & site inspections.

To calculate the fee to be submitted with your application after the VAT increase, please click on the calculator.

Multiple Work Reductions

Where it is proposed to carry out more than one type of work at the same time, i.e. extension & alteration, then the Charge for the cheaper works can reduced by 50%.

Discounts for Electrical Work

The Building Control Standard Charges Tables A & B marked with an * have been reduced to reflect where controlled electrical installations are being carried out, tested and certified by a registered Part P electrician (Competent Persons). If these reductions are claimed and a self-certifying electrician is not subsequently employed, the applicant will be invoiced for supplementary charges equivalent to the discount (See ED below)

Individually Determined Assessments

The Building Control Standard Charge tables only cover works up to 100m2 or £100,000 and therefore if the works are larger, or the build cost is greater, it will be necessary for the Council to provide a quote for carrying out the Building Control function, ie plan checking and inspections. Guidance on what information we need to calculate an Individually Determined Assessment and the Regularisation application form can be found in the Related Links below.

Full Plans Application Charges

If you submit a Full Plans application the Plan Charge must accompany the submitted drawings etc to cover an assessment of the proposed works and the passing or rejection of the plans. The Inspection Charge is a once-only payment that becomes due after the first inspection of the works on site. An invoice will be sent to the applicant for the Inspection Charge which covers all necessary site inspections by Building Control Surveyors including the final inspection and the issuing of a Completion Certificate. Please note; the applicant is the person or persons given on the application form unless we are notified differently.

You can calculate the fee to be submitted with your application from our Building Control Standard Charge tables which can both be found in Related Links below or using by our on-line Charge Calculator above.

Building Notice Charge

Where a Building Notice is submitted the Building Notice Charge is payable at the time of making the application. The fee covers the Building Control Surveyors visiting the site when notified to ensure that works conform to Building Regulations and the issuing of a Completion Certificate.

Regularisation Applications

If you have carried out unauthorised building work you can apply for a Regularisation Certificate and you will need to pay a Regularisation Charge to cover the cost of assessing your application and all inspections. The Building Control Charge payable is based on an Individually Determined Assessment and you should contact us for a quote.

Guidance on what information we need to calculate an Individually Determined Assessment and the Regularisation application form can be found in the Related Links below.

Charges are not payable as follows;

• Work solely for the benefit of a disabled person. In order to claim exemption, the appropriate evidence must be provided e.g. this could be an Occupational Therapist's recommendation. The relevance of the adaptation for the person's disability must also be supported by the proposals.
• Where plans have previously been approved or rejected no further Charge is payable for substantially the same work.
• The first hour of officer's time in giving pre-building regulation application advice regarding the requirements of the Building Regulation and associated legislation.

Payment

Can be made by cash in person at our reception, by cheque made payable to Rochford District Council or by credit / debit card by calling 01702 318081. if you decide to withdraw your application, whatever the reason there will be a minimum charge of £36.00 to cover administration costs