Building Standards

Building Warrant Applications

The design and construction of buildings is controlled by ensuring Building Warrant applications comply with Building Regulations for most classes and types of building, whether public or private and includes houses, shops, leisure facilities, factories, warehouses etc.

A Building Warrant application is required for the erection, conversion, alteration or extension of a building and is also necessary for the demolition of a property. It is valid for three years and construction work should not begin before the Building Warrant has been approved.

The processing of Building Warrants is a major part of the work done by Building Standards staff. Each year in South Ayrshire there are approximately 1800 applications amounting to a total estimated cost of £90 million.

Application Forms

All application forms must be accompanied by two full sets of scaled drawings and should indicate details of the proposals. A complete specification of building materials and method of construction should be included and where specific details of construction is required this should also be shown by submitting large scale drawings. A location plan and a block plan are necessary to identify where the building is located in relation to the surrounding area and indicate the site boundaries, adjacent roads and properties, the drainage layout and the position on site of the building.

Where the proposed work involves structural design, e.g. steel frame, beams, lintels, roof structure, either structural calculations or a Design Certificate from an approved certifier of design will be required for submission with the application for Building Warrant. More information on approved certifiers of design can be provided by Building Standards staff. When an application is received a fee is required to be paid based upon the value of the works. In calculating the value of the works the applicant must use normal market costs rather than any discounted cost which they may be able to achieve. The current fee scales are shown on this section, however, the Scottish Government are often reviewing these amounts so it is worth checking whether any changes have been made.

Building Standards consult with various bodies before the assessment of a Building Warrant is complete e.g. Fire Authority, SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency), Scottish Water and the Health and Safety Executive.

The length of time it takes for checking an application will vary depending on the size and complexity of the proposals and any adjustments to the design to show compliance with the Building Regulations.