Consultation on Plan Approval Requirements for New Builds and Fire Safety Order Buildings

Overview

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is seeking views of  to amend the procedural requirements of the building control process for buildings under 18 metres. 

The proposals relate to the introduction of more stringent building control procedural requirements for new homes and in some instances work to existing dwellings where the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (Fire Safety Order or FSO) applies below 18 metres. We also intend for these changes to address some of the current differences between the public and private sector building control routes.

The proposals are specifically focussed on: requiring that all new dwellings using the LA route must apply with an application for building control approval with full plans; requiring that all new dwellings and all FSO buildings using the Registered Building Control Approver route must receive a plans certificate at some stage prior to the giving of the final certificate and review of Fire and Rescue Authorities consultation requirements.  The consultation invites evidence and views on these proposals, with detailed reasoning.

This consultation will begin on 02 April 2026 and close at 11.45pm on 11 June 2026. 

For any enquiries about the consultation please contact: buildingregulationsconsultation@communities.gov.uk  with the subject PLANS CONSULTATION.

The questions in this survey should be read and answered alongside the full document, which can be found here: Plans approval requirements for new builds and fire safety order buildings