When you need a building notice 

A building notice is for domestic work only. It’s a good option for small building projects like adding new windows, a small extension, converting your loft or turning your garage into a room. You don't need to submit detailed plans for this type of application, but you need to be sure that your builder knows and follows all the building regulations. If your trades person belongs to a recognised competent person self-certification scheme, you won’t need to apply for a building notice. 

It’s your responsibility to make sure the work you’re doing meets the building regulations. If you're unsure, submitting a full plans application is better.

If you’re unsure whether you need a full plans application or a building notice you may wish to read the homeowners guide to expanding your living space.

Once you submit your building notice application, you can start building work within 48 hours. You cannot use a building notice for:

  • commercial work
  • houses of multiple occupancies, e.g. shared houses or bedsits
  • flats above shops
  • other building types where you need enhanced fire protection
  • building work that will be near or crosses public sewers
  • a new building that will front onto a private road

You must apply for a full plans application for any of these. 

What you’ll need

Before applying, ensure you have an Ordnance Survey plan of the site at a scale of 1:1250. The site plan will need to include: 

  • the property boundaries, outlined in red
  • an arrow or compass point indicating the direction north
  • names of adjoining roads 

You do not need to attach any other plans; however, if you have any, it will help us understand your work.

How to submit a building notice

Using one of the online portals below is the quickest way for us to process your application. 

Complete the online form on the Planning Portal

Alternatively you can send in your building control application via submitaplan or download Building Control application forms and submit to building.control@sutton.gov.uk.

Building notice application costs

Our Building Control application costs are online, alternatively you can request a quote if your works are non-standard.

How to make a payment

You can make payment once you've completed your online building control application via the Planning Portal. However if you have any additional payments to make, or have submitted via an alternative route you can also pay by;

  • fees can be paid online (select Building Control payment option).
  • fees can also be paid via the Sutton contact centre on 020 8770 5000
  • cheques should be made payable to 'London Borough of Sutton' and sent to Building Control, Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA

After you’ve applied

Once you’ve submitted your building notice application online, you’ll receive an email and a reference number confirming your application.

We will email you within 5 working days to acknowledge your application and contact you within 10 working days if we need more information.

Our surveyor will inform you if they have concerns about your work.

When the work starts

After you've submitted your application, you must let us know when the work starts and book site inspections when relevant. We'll come to inspect it at various stages to make sure it meets the building regulations standards.