Frequently Asked Questions
Building Control
I wish to notify you of building work I intend to carry out, which forms do I require?
There are three types of forms available. They are Full Plans, Building Notices and Regulation Certificates.
If you wish to carry out work on a commercial property you will require a ‘full plans’ application form. If you wish to undertake a loft conversion or complex building work on a domestic property you are advised to make a ‘full plans’ application.
If you wish to carry out smaller work, for example a domestic extension or alterations you will be required to submit either a ‘full plans’ form or a ‘building notice’ form.
Forms can be downloaded from our website. To receive a form by post, please contact the Hackney Service Centre on 020 8356 8124. Completed forms can be sent via post, email or by hand. Please see address below. All applications must be accompanied by the relevant plans, details and the correct fee.
What is the correct fee?
Fees are based on the type of work to be carried out. Please click here to view charges.
What is building work?
For a definition of building work please refer to page 12 of the Building Regulations Explanatory booklet. www.odpm.gov.uk/explanatory-booklet
I would like to make a request for an inspection
To request an inspection please contact the Hackney Service Centre on 020 8356 8124. In general you must give 24 hours notice. However, if you contact us before 10am there is a possibility that an inspection can be made on the same day.
What stages of work do you inspect?
You are required to contact the Hackney Service Centre when any of the following stages are ready for inspection.
- Start of the work.
- Foundation excavations.
- Damp proof course (DPC) laid
- Oversite before concreting (OSBC)
- Drains before they are covered.
- Occupation (if before the work has been completed).
- Completion.
You are advised that we would also like to inspect any structural timbers and/or steel beams before they are covered. You will also be asked to carry out a test on any new drainage when the work is completed.
How can I obtain a Completion Certificate?
Completion Certificates take up to 5 working days to issue. They are only issued once a satisfactory final inspection of the work has been carried out.
My neighbour is carrying out work on a shared wall
The London Borough of Hackney Building Control Department do not deal with party wall matters. Such matters are covered by the Party Wall Act 1996 and are strictly between you and your adjoining owner. An explanatory booklet is available at www.odpm.gov.uk
I am carrying out electrical work on my property
You are not required to inform Building Control about:
- Repairs, replacements and maintenance work; or
- Extra power points or lighting points or other alterations to existing circuits (except in a kitchen, bathroom or outdoors).
For all other work you are advised to use an installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme or notify Building Control.
If you are unsure or you have any questions please contact the Hackney Service Centre on 020 8356 8124.
For more information please refer to p26 of the Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet. www.odpm.gov.uk/explanatory-booklet
Why should I use an installer who is registered with a Competent Person Scheme?
There are various reasons why, please refer to the list below -
- Members of schemes can deal with all the new rules for you.
- Members are qualified to carry out electrical work.
- Members will give you a certificate to confirm their work follows the new rules.
- You will not need to pay building control charges.
- You will have the option of taking out an insurance-backed guarantee for the work.
- You will have access to a formal complaints procedure if you are not happy with the work.
For more information visit www.odpm.gov.uk/explanatory-booklet
I wish to request further information on Building Control.
How do I make a complaint regarding Building Control?
For information or to complain about Building Control please contact us on:
Phone: 020 8356 8124
Write:Building Control Division
263 Mare Street
London
E8 3HT
Email: info@hackney.gov.uk
Web link: www.hackney.gov.uk/building-control
More links:
www.odpm.gov.uk (Office of the Deputy Prime Minister)
www.partp.co.uk (BRE Certification LTD)
www.bsi-global.com (British Standards Institution)
www.elecsa.org.uk (Elecsa Limited)
www.napit.org.uk (NAPIT certification Limited)
www.niceic.org.uk (NICEIC Certification Services Ltd)
Page updated: 18 Sep 2008