Apply for building control
Service update
Regulations require Local Planning Authorities to notify neighbours of planning applications submitted by either posting letters to neighbours whose boundary adjoins the application site or placing a notice on site. Reading Borough Council has for many years used both methods in most cases by writing to neighbours and sending a notice to the applicant for them to display.
Policy Committee on 21 October however agreed that the council’s practice of sending neighbour letters could stop (to save officer time, and stationery and postage costs). It will be the responsibility of the case officer to make sure site notices are displayed correctly.
Please look out for yellow site notices being displayed and make use of the QR code to access the information about the application to see if you want to make a comment.
Application Types
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.
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
RBC 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
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 |
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, payment will need to be made in order to validate the application.
We are currently only able to accept payments over the phone. To make a payment please call 0118 937 2449. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm (excluding bank holidays). We apologise for any inconvenience.
Other forms
Last updated on 20/09/2024
Apply for building control