If Your Building Regulations Application Is Rejected

Don’t panic. Easy for me to say I know but it isn’t the end of the world. And, if your building regulations application is rejected, it doesn’t mean the end of your loft conversion project.

At this point, despite not having approval, you could still go ahead with the work after giving two days notice but, and it’s a big but, the council could take enforcement action if your work doesn’t meet the building regulations.

But, usually after an application is rejected it will simply be a matter of adjusting your plans in line with the recommendations of the councils building control officer.

You will then be given approval when you resubmit your plans – and there shouldn’t be any additional fees to pay.

If you really want to dig your heels in and totally disagree with the councils decision, and are unwilling to resubmit your loft conversion plans, you can ask for a determination from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister or Welsh Assembly. They will then decide who is right – you or the council.

It must be pointed out that the determination procedure can only be carried out if you have made a full plans application and that this service is not available if you simply give building notice.

In the event of the council rejecting your building regulations application you may be able to ask the council to ‘relax or dispense’ with the section of the regulations that you have failed to meet. If they refuse to do this you could then appeal to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister or Welsh Assembly.

So, If My Building Regulations Application Is Rejected?

It can usually be sorted out very quickly and easily with the local council and by acting on their recommendations and resubmitting your application. Click here to discover why you must make a building regulations application
Click here for a quick guide to the building regulations

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