Carrickfergus Borough Council - Making An Application

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Making An Application

Work Requiring An Application

Anyone intending to carry out work to which Building Regulations apply must lodge an application with Building Control. Some examples of such work are: ~

• Erecting a new building
• Extending an existing building
• Changing the use of a building (e.g. house to offices)
• Converting a roofspace or garage
• Carrying out structural alterations - for example: ~
  Replacing existing walls, floors, roofs, stairs
  Making two rooms into one
  Removal of a chimney breast
  Installing cavity walls or lining walls/ceilings with sheeting or boarding
  Replacing fire doors
• Provision of services or fittings - for example: ~
  Installation of central heating
  Replacement/relining flues
  Installation of new sanitary appliances (not replacement only)

Exemptions

There are certain works that are exempt from requiring an application. Some of the most commonly constructed types of building which are exempt are: ~

Domestic Garages - single storey, with a floor area not more than 30 square metres, containing no sleeping accommodation and either built substantially of non-combustible materials or located no less than 1 metre from a building or boundary.
Conservatory - must have at least three quarters of the roof and at least half of the walls made of translucent material (lets light through), built at ground level, with a floor area of not more than 30 square metres. It must have a door separating the conservatory from the main building and all the glazing should meet the requirements of Part V of the building regulations (safety glazing). Note - A sun lounge or sun room with a solid roof is not exempt.
Porch - built at ground level, single storey, with a floor area of not more than 30 square metres. It must have a door separating it from the main building and the glazing should meet the requirements of Part V of the building regulations.
Carport or covered way - area of not more than 30 square metres, built at ground level and open to the outside air on at least two sides.

When an exempt building or extension is built it is important that nothing is done which will contravene the Building Regulations which apply to the existing building.

You can apply for Building Control Approval by downloading the application form below and returning it to the Building Services Department with the appropriate fee, and any relevant documentation.

Building Control Application Form

Extensive information on Building Control Approval can be found by visiting the Building Control Northern Ireland website. You will also find a useful fees calculator to work out your plan and inspection fees prior to submitting your application.