Building regulations

Building regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings for health and safety purposes, energy conservation and access to and about buildings.

Do I need building regulation approval?

If you are looking to carry out a building project, such as an extension or loft conversion, you may need to apply for building regulation approval.

To find out if your proposed development requires building regulation approval, visit the general public user section of the National Planning Portal or take a look at their interactive home guide. Alternatively, take a look at our frequently asked questions about building regulations.

How to apply

Online

You can apply for building regulation approval via the national Submit a Plan site.  The portal provides step by step instructions and explains any documentation you need to submit with your plan. Register your details, logon and choose 'Knowsley' as the local authority before making your application.

It also provides information on how you can submit your applications online through the National Planning Portal and how you can track applications and decision notices through Knowsley's Public Access System.

Print off application

You can print off a building regulations application form and return to Planning Services. Please read the application guidance notes before completing your application form.

Do I also need planning permission?

Complying with building regulations is a separate matter from getting planning permission for your work. The Planning Portal website has an interactive home guide which will help you identify if you need building regulation approval, planning permission or both.

Developers

If you are a developer and familiar with building regulations and the building control system, you can find technical guidance organised around 'Parts A to P' of the requirements of the regulations on the National Planning Portal.

Downloads

You will need Adobe Acrobat to view PDF documents. If you do not already have this, you can download it from the Adobe website. If you require alternative formats please contact Planning Services on 0151 443 2380.