How to apply
Planning portal
Submit an application online through the Planning Portal website.
Email or postal application
Download and complete the application form for your required application type.
Return the completed form and any drawings by email to buildingcontrol@cheltenham.gov.uk or by post to: Building Control, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Works to a high-risk building
The new building control process for higher-risk buildings in England came into force on 1 October 2023. From this date the building control authority for higher-risk buildings is the Building Safety Regulator. Any new building work in-scope of the higher-risk regime can no longer be overseen by local authority or private sector building control.
The Regulator will be the building control authority for higher-risk buildings, in particular:
- The construction of a new higher-risk building;
- Building work to an existing higher-risk building;
- Any work that causes a non-higher-risk building to become a higher-risk building, including material change of use; and
- Any work relating to a higher-risk building that causes it to cease to be such a building.
In the Building Act 1984 (as amended by the 2022 Act) and confirmed by the Secretary of State, a higher risk building for the design and construction part of the regime, are defined as buildings with at least two residential units, care homes, and hospitals which are at least 18 metres in height or have at least 7 storeys.
Application types
Application for building control approval with full plans
This type of application is available to all other works that is not to a higher risk building.
A set of full working drawings and specifications will need to be submitted, these are checked for compliance with the building regulations prior to works starting on site.
If the plans are found to be satisfactory then the application will be granted approval or where further items identified for submission an approval will be granted with requirements attached. If there are minor details that require amending, you or your agent will be consulted before a formal decision is issued. Where insufficient information is provided the authority may reject the plans but will always consult with you or your agent first. We will generally have five weeks to issue an approval but with your consent in writing this period can be extended.
An application with full plans must be submitted where the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order is being affected. This type of work is usually to commercial premises. A person intending to carry out building work which includes the erection of a building fronting onto a private street or where the works involve an extension that is being built over or within 3 metres of a public sewer.
Return the completed forms and any drawings by email to buildingcontrol@cheltenham.gov.uk or by post to: Building Control, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Alternatively, you can submit an application online through the Planning Portal website.
Building notice
This type of application is better suited to small projects that do not have great design complexity. This method is purely risk based on site to assess compliance with the building regulations and therefore this method may not be suitable for more complex works. Any plans or specifications submitted on a building notice are not checked for compliance with the building regulations as there is no requirement for a decision to be issued. It is recommended that regular contact is made with building control for inspections and any queries relating to the works.
Please note that this type of application cannot be used where works affect the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order, A person intending to carry out building work which includes the erection of a building fronting onto a private street or where the works involve an extension that is being built over or within 3 meters of a public sewer.
Return the completed form and any drawings by email to buildingcontrol@cheltenham.gov.uk or by post to: Building Control, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Alternatively, you can submit an application online through the Planning Portal website.
Regularisation
This type of application is only used where unauthorised works have been carried out on or after 11 November 1985 to buildings other than higher risk buildings. The building regulations allow for an owner of a property to retrospectively apply for a regularisation certificate when works have been carried out unlawfully. As part of this procedure elements of works may require to be uncovered.
Please note that there is no guarantee that a regularisation certificate will be issued where it is found that works are unsatisfactory.
Return the completed form and any drawings by email to buildingcontrol@cheltenham.gov.uk or by post to: Building Control, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Alternatively, you can submit an application online through the Planning Portal website.
Demolition
Where a person would like to demolish a building that has a volume greater than 1750 cubic feet (49.5 cubic meters) Cheltenham and Tewkesbury along with the occupier of any adjoining property and any statutory undertakers will require notice of the intended works under section 80, 81, 82 and 83 of the Building Act 1984. Once a notice has been received Cheltenham and Tewkesbury building control will issue an acknowledgement letter (counter notice) with conditions attached.
Note: A survey is likely to be carried out prior to any demolition works to identify asbestos. Should any asbestos be uncovered, such arrangements should be made for the safe removal and disposal by a registered contractor and at a site which is licensed.
Return the completed form and any drawings by email to buildingcontrol@cheltenham.gov.uk or by post to: Building Control, Cheltenham Borough Council, Municipal Offices, Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA.
Alternatively, you can submit an application online through the Planning Portal website.
Fees
Please contact us to obtain a fee quote for our services on your project.
Make a payment
To make the payment for your application, please use our online payment system.
Select the appropriate council where the works are commencing (which authority is the council tax paid to in the area).
Find the type of application you are submitting (see above for definitions) and select ‘Make Payment’.
Enter amount, your name and property details and then add to basket and check out in the normal way. Your application will only be deemed valid once the correct fee has been paid.