Submitting plans for building regulations
This page will guide you through the steps to submitting plans for building regulations approval.
Contact Details:
Telephone: 023 8083 2558
Details of service:
Step 1 – Go to submission site
There is a link at the top of the right hand column of this page to the submit-a-plan web site, an external web site that the council is affiliated with where you can submit your plans.
Step 2 – Register as user
To use Submit-a-plan you first need to register with the site, click “Register account”. You just need to give basic contact details, your name and address, email and telephone number. You need to state if you are an agency or an applicant and choose a password. You can now login using your email and password.
Step 3 – Make an application
Once logged in you can practice submitting a plan or proceed straight to “submit application”, however it is worth noting that the site can time you out if there is no activity and incomplete application will be lost, also if you go “back” past the entering address of works it will reset all the application. The application is a series of questions, if you get stuck there is a help button on each page but below we’ve set out how to proceed.
Select your local authority i.e. Southampton City Council
Select application type *see footnote, here we assume “full plans”
Click “Next”
Give address where work is being carried out, if the same as your login details, click “Use applicants details”
Click “Next”
Proposed work – just a brief summary of what the work being carried out
Lantac yes or no – this is for new buildings with approved designs that shortcut the approval process. Usually No
Use of building – state if it’s and extension or new building or renovation to existing building. State briefly use of the building, e.g. a domestic home, commercial property, storage area, kitchen, flat, garage.
Fire precautions act – domestic properties usually No, this is more for commercial properties, click help for more details
Conditions – this is to say you agree to the terms of the buildings act, you need to say Yes to proceed. The Buildings act is available online but not via this site.
Cost of work – We need to know the approximate cost of the work you are carrying out, as our fees are based on the type of work and the over cost of work
Additional information – an opportunity to explain any unusual aspects or add detail but no essential
Step 4 – Attach documents
Browse to select the documents, drawings and plans you wish to upload. Click upload and they will appear in the list.
Details – Once you’ve uploaded the list you must add details to each, by highlight in the list, fill in details and select save. All documents need a unique reference that we can refer to later. Usually drawings have references but you need to put something into each field before saving.
Statement of truth – This is your virtual signature to say that everything you have submitted is true. Click “Validates application” to agree, then click “Submit Application” to send it to us. This dates the application and presents a printable format for your records.
A building control surveyor will contact you regarding any amendments to your application including relevant charges.
*Application type:
Full plans – takes about three weeks to process, once work commences on site will come and do a site visit, usually that day.
Building notice – no plans just notice of work, typically for small alterations, takes about two days to register and then will come for a site visit
Regularisation Certificate – approval in retrospect
Replace doors and windows – Similar to building notice in that these are small alterations and don’t require plans.
Last updated: 18 October 2006
