Building Regulations

There are two different types of Building Control applications - Building Notices and Full Plans Submissions.

Online Submissions

We encourage you to submit your application electronically online (including payment) using 'Submit-a-Plan', a simple electronic application system.

Submit-a-Plan.com is the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) portal that enables anyone, with access to the web, to submit a Building Regulations application online to local authorities across the country free of any additional charge. It is the fast and efficient option compared to printing and posting and will help to reduce your carbon footprint. Send in your next Building Control application by visiting www.submit-a-plan.com. All you need are electronic copies of your drawings.

Main Benefits of Online Submissions

1. Free of any additional charge.
2. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. No printing or postage required.
4. To register and submit applications is simple.
5. Applications can be managed and tracked online.
6. Reduces your carbon footprint.

To submit an application to Southend Borough Council Building Control Service, why not register with Submit-a-Plan now? You can then complete your Building Notice or Full Plans Building Regulation application form, attach the relevant drawings and documents and then submit your application to us. Please note that at least one accurate dimension is required on the plans you submit, in order for the system to scale your application.

However, before you do this for the first time, you are advised to read the Submit-a-Plan guidance notes to ensure that your next project is submitted successfully via our electronic application system.

Please refer to the following Building Regulations Guidance Notes (available in 'Related Downloads') before completing and returning an application to us:

• BC 1: Building Control Fees & Charges
• BC 2: Making a Building Regulations Submission
• BC 6: Guide to Building Regulations

Please note that the relevant correct charge will need to be paid before we can validate your application.

You are advised that approval under Building Regulations should always be sought prior to carrying out building works. However, if works have been carried out without seeking approval you are advised to discuss the matter with a Building Control Officer to establish whether a Building Regulations Application is appropriate (further guidance relating to Building Regulation Applications is available in 'Related Downloads').

Hard Copy Applications

If you still wish to submit an application in hard copy, you may still download the relevant application forms and charges information, and submit your application in the usual way to us along with the required number of copies of your drawings, fee and any additional information. Full Plans Submission Application Form and Building Notice Application Form are available in 'Related Downloads'. You can also obtain Building Control forms and guidance notes from the our Customer Service Centre.

General Enquiries

It is also possible to submit electronic drawings and documents to Building Control via the Council's email address, either as part of an enquiry, or to supplement an existing application. We will then ensure that the relevant case officer deals with your enquiry.

If you need any assistance or require further information, please contact us.