Access to records and copy documents

If you are selling a property that has been extended or altered, you may need to provide evidence to prospective purchasers that any relevant building work has been inspected and approved by the building control body. That evidence is in the form of a Building Regulations Completion certificate (or final certificates in the case of approved inspectors).

Legal entitlement to a completion certificate is subject to conditions. In cases where the council is not told that building work is being completed, or the building is occupied without addressing outstanding building regulations matters, a certificate is not issued. Despite the best efforts of the council's building control surveyors, many home owners who undertake building works fail to obtain a completion certificate and their application is archived. A fee is payable to re-open archived building regulations applications for the purposes of issuing a completion certificate.

For more information, read our Access to building control records and copy documents guide

To view building regulations applications, search our online application database

Charges

Document Charge notes
Copy of Building Regulation Decision or Completion Certificate £40 plus VAT To professionals for commercial purposes or owners/buyers within 10 working days
Re-open archived applications where no request for inspection made within three years £40 plus VAT

Response within 10 working days

£80 plus VAT Per site inspection, required to complete archived records including issue of completion certificate
Historical Property Searches for all Building Regulation information relating to a property £40 plus VAT Response within 10 working days
Responses to professional letters for commercial purposes £60 plus VAT Response within 10 working days
Exemption Confirmation Letter £60 plus VAT Response within 10 working days if no site visit required, or an additional £80 plus vat to include site visit

To request a completion certificate or a historical property search, please email building.control@westsuffolk.gov.uk with your details and requirements. While we try to respond within the times set out above, this service cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability.