Apply for full plans approval

A full plans application is used for commercial building work subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and any new proposal to build above or within 3 metres of a drain/sewer. 

Submissions are required to be fully checked and approved by the us and a decision will be made within 5-8 weeks unless agreed otherwise. Defects can be spotted which will consequently speed up the construction project as the builders will be confident that the work complies with the Building Regulations. 

A Building Control surveyor will visit the site at key stages to ensure that the building work is safe and will not affect the health, safety and welfare of everyone using the building. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that an inspection is booked at the appropriate stages. A full plans application is valid for 3 years starting from the day the application was submitted to us, the local authority. 

Fees

You need to pay a fee when you apply for full plans approval.

Full plans application fees are split into two payments:

Plan checking fees:
You’ll need to make an upfront payment when we receive your application.

Fees are calculated on either floor area measurement or the type of work, such as a loft conversion/extension (Schedule 1) or extension cost of works (Schedule 2).

Inspection fees:
You’ll need to make a payment after plans have been approved.

• find more information about building control fees

Before you start

You will need to:

• log in or create an account on our building control portal to submit a building notice application. This is different from a Lewisham website account
• click on ‘submit building application’ and follow the on screen instructions

Payment

• you will need to pay online using a credit or debit card
• if you’re unable to make a payment online, you’ll need to complete a paper application and email the completed form to building.control@lewisham.gov.uk

What happens next

After we receive your application, we will:

• send you an email confirmation with your reference number
• give you the name of your site inspector and their contact details
• process your application and check your drawings for compliance with building regulations
• write to you within three weeks with a progress report and ask you for further information, if needed
• send you our decision within five weeks, unless you have given us a three week extension