Unauthorised work

You can apply to 'regularise' building work. This is for unauthorised work (work done without building regulations consent) that was done after 11 November 1985. The owner of the property will need to ensure that they have enough evidence to show that any completed work met with building regulations at the time.

Download the application form to apply to regularise building work and simply tick the regularisation box. Please contact the Building Control department for a quote.

Reversion applications

Under the Building Act 1984 it is possible for a third party Approved Inspector to carry out the building control function for controllable work. To do so they submit an Initial Notice to the council. This removes the council from any obligation to control the work and approval of the work is therefore subject to the Approved Inspectors control.

Where the Approved Inspector is no longer able to carry out that function and the work has not commenced the Initial Notice will need to be cancelled in the first instance to allow another approved body, such as your local authority building control team, to undertake the regulatory work. The cancellation notice can either be submitted by the Approved Inspector or by the person carrying out the work. The person carrying out the works must submit a Form 7 to building.control@westsuffolk.gov.uk

Where the Approved Inspector is no longer able to carry out that function and the work has commenced the Initial Notice will need to be cancelled in the first instance. The work will then need to revert to your local authority building control team in the form of a reversion application. Your local authority building control team are the only body allowed to retrospectively approve work. The person carrying out the works must submit a Form 7 to building.control@westsuffolk.gov.uk

There are a variety of reasons why an Approved Inspector may no longer be willing or able to carry out their function under the legislation One such reason is where the Approved Inspector does not have the correct insurance as required under the legislation. Where the approved inspector does not have a valid insurance in place they will be unable to continue functioning as a Building Control provider and will be unable to issue a Final Certificate for the works. If you are concerned as to whether the Approved Inspector you are using has the required insurance, you can check with the governing body for Approved Inspectors (CICAIR) using the link below.

https://www.cicair.org.uk/approved-inspectors-register

Please note that a person failing to submit, without reasonable excuse, a cancellation notice, in the case of an Approved Inspector no longer being able to carry out their building control function, is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

If you need to make a Reversion Application you will need to submit a reversion application form to the local authority. Once you have done this you will be to arrange for a Local Authority Building Control Surveyor to attend site and inspect the works. We will aim to work with you to ensure works can be approved and appropriate certification issued in as timely a fashion as possible.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to submit a reversion application online due to the bespoke nature of each application. Please use the form below and email it to building.control@westsuffolk.gov.uk or send by post to West Suffolk Building Control, District Offices, College Heath Road, Mildenhall, IP28 7EY. The reversion application should be accompanied by the following information:

  • Plans and construction details showing the proposed works and any elements of the construction already in place that deviate from these plans.
  • Any specialist designs (for example, structural engineers calculations, specialist ventilation designs and so on)
  • A copy of any inspection notes from the Approved Inspector previously used.
  • The required application fee (please contact Building Control to determine this)

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries at building.control@westsuffolk.gov.uk or 01284 757387.