We will validate and acknowledge receipt of your application within 48 hours of its receipt, provided that the correct payment is received, there is the correct number of plans and the forms are properly completed. We will contact you if any of the above information is missing or incorrect.

The application will then be forwarded to your Building Control Surveyor for the checking of the technical aspects for compliance with the Building Regulations. You can expect a response from your Surveyor within 10 working days of validation. This may be in the form of a Notice of Passing of Building Plans, a letter or a telephone call to outline any matters which require amendment or need clarification. It is important that you reply to any queries as quickly as possible, since the period allowed by law for the Surveyor to issue a decision is only 5 weeks ( although this may be extended to 2 months with your written consent ).

Building work may start after we have acknowledged receipt of a valid Full Plans Application. You will receive a Notice of Commencement ( blue form ) with the letter acknowledging receipt of your application. You will need to complete and return this at least 48 hours before starting the work. However, all work carried out prior to approval is carried out at your own risk. We would therefore strongly recommend that you gain approval before commencing work. You will need to contact us at the relevant stages of the work. We will explain this when we receive your application. You can also arrange a visit by either contacting us by email at : building.control@rbwm.gov.uk or by telephone on 01628 796870 or 24 hour inspection hotline on 01628 796885. Full contact details are explained on our ' Site Inspection ' web page.