Making an Application

When You Need to Make a Building Control Application

Any of the following work requires either a Full Plans Application or a Building Notice:

Full plans applications include:

1. Erection of a new building
2. Extensions to an existing building
3. Roof space conversions to create a habitable room or an extra storey
4. Building change of use
5. Installation or alteration of services and fittings

Building Notice Applications include:

1. Replacement combustion appliances for example boilers and stoves
2. Installation, extension, or conversion of heating systems
3. Insulation for example cavity and loft
4. Solar panels
5. Small extensions less than 10 square metres
6. Replacement conservatory roof

Important: Work to a non-domestic property cannot use the Building Notice route.

Pre-submission application

For non-domestic applications, a free pre-submission consultation is available.

Complete a pre-submission application form, available online or from the office.

Unauthorised Work

If work has been completed without a Full Plans or Building Notice Application, it is considered unauthorised.

You can apply for this work to be regularised by submitting a Regularisation Application.

Submitting an Application

1. Choose the correct office based on the location of the work, for example Newry or Downpatrick
2. Applications can be submitted online, by email or hard copy
3. Online submission:

1. Register a secure account on the Council Direct website with email and password.
2. Submit applications and payments online via a step-by-step process.
3. Accepts debit or credit cards.
4. Includes a built-in fee calculator.
5. Multiple properties can be submitted under one account.
6. Attach drawings, specification and details in pdf format.
7. Submit an online Building Notice or Regularisation Application

4. Email Submission

1. Provide completed application form, drawings, specification and details in pdf format.
2. Following submission, the Building Control team will contact you for payment.
3. Fee calculator is available on the Building Control Northern Ireland website

5. Hard copy submission

1. Provide completed application form, drawings, specification and details to the correct scale.
2. Following submission, the Building Control team will contact you for payment.
3. Fee calculator is available on the Building Control Northern Ireland website

6. Validation and Inspection:

1. Applications are validated within 5 working days.
2. After validation, contact the relevant office to arrange inspections.

Contact Us 

T: 0330 137 4003
E: buildingcontrol@nmandd.org