Building Control

Important Notice
New exemptions introduced under the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2026, effective from 27 July 2026, include:

Detached Auxiliary Dwellings

• A detached auxiliary dwelling with a floor area between 32 sq. m and 45 sq. m, located within the curtilage of a principal dwelling, may be exempt from planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in the Regulations.
• For Building Control purposes, however, an auxiliary dwelling is regarded as a new dwelling and is therefore subject to the statutory Building Control process, including:
• Submission of a Commencement Notice accompanied by compliance documentation;
• Appointment of an Assigned Certifier;
• Appointment of a Design Certifier;
• Appointment of a Builder; and
• Submission and registration of a Certificate of Compliance on Completion prior to occupation.

Subdivision of Existing Dwellings

• Where an existing dwelling is subdivided into a maximum of two self-contained dwellings under the exempted development provisions, the standard Building Control procedures apply, including:
• Submission of a Commencement Notice accompanied by compliance documentation;
• Appointment of an Assigned Certifier;
• Appointment of a Design Certifier
• Appointment of a Builder; and
• Submission and registration of a Certificate of Compliance on Completion prior to occupation.

Please Note
Exemption from planning permission does not exempt a development from compliance with the Building Regulations or the Building Control Regulations. Owners, designers and builders remain responsible for ensuring that all statutory requirements are met.