There are two separate approvals that people mix up all the time. Planning permission is about what you build: its size, looks and effect on neighbours. Building regulations approval (building control) is about how it's built: structure, fire safety, insulation, drainage.
Plenty of jobs need building control but not planning. Some need both. And which council you deal with depends on where you live, not on which town you'd say you're from.
Most applications are made online through the Planning Portal, which sends them to the right council.
For building control you can use your council's building control team or a private Registered Building Control Approver. Since April 2024, private approvers must be registered with the Building Safety Regulator.
We run all of this for you. One point of contact, from first drawings to the completion certificate.
This is general guidance, not formal advice on your property. Rules change, so we check the current position at the free site visit and handle any applications as part of the job.
Planning covers what you build and how it affects the area. Building regulations cover how it's built so it's safe, warm and sound. Many jobs need building regulations approval even without planning.
In England the householder application fee is £548 from 1 April 2026.
The target for householder applications is 8 weeks from validation. Allow extra time for drawings beforehand and any conditions afterwards.
Yes. You can choose your council's building control team or a Registered Building Control Approver. Both issue a completion certificate at the end.
Whatever the brief, the route in is the same: ring us, we'll visit, we'll come back with a fixed price in plain English. Free site visits across Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle.
Or email enquiries@atkinsonsgroup.co.uk
No call-out charge for quotes. Fixed prices, in writing.
