Building Control fees

Our charges and how to pay

Our charges are made under the Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations 2010. They include VAT, which is charged at 20%. Regularisation charges are exempt from VAT.
 
If your project changes after you have paid for your application, we may provide a refund or make an additional charge.

Individually determined charges

You can request a bespoke fee quote where:
  • All or part of the project falls outside of our standard charges 
  • The categories do not cover all aspects of the project
  • The categories do not reflect a reasonable charge

Exemptions

Existing dwelling

Charges do not apply for works that provide access for a disabled person to, from and within their residence or for accommodation or facilities to secure greater health, safety, welfare or convenience (subject to Regulation 4(2)). Evidence of the person’s disability or special needs may be required

Existing building

Charges do not apply for works to public buildings (for example shops or banks) that provide access for disabled people from and within the building or for facilities to secure greater health, safety, welfare or convenience.
 

Service level

The inspection fee will cover all site inspections during the construction phase, including discussions and meetings with the builder, architect and the owner as required. Our surveyors provide a next day inspection service. In the event of problems on site, we will do our best to accommodate requests for inspections at short notice.
 

Competent person's schemes

Our charges assume electrical and heating installations are carried out by certified installers, registered with one of the Government's Competent Person's Schemes. If a certified installer is not employed or a competent person's certification is not received, there will be an additional charge of £330 for each unit to enable checks and tests to be carried to establish if the works meet the Building Regulations 2010.
 

Reimbursement to Building Control under the Building Safety Act 2022

From the 1 April 2024, the Building Safety Regulator may request assistance from us in respect of High Rise Buildings (a building that is a least 18,000mm high or at least seven storeys containing at least two residential units) going through the Building Control process. The reimbursement rate paid to us by the Building Safety Regulator for this is set at £67 per hour plus VAT. This figure is set on 1 April 2024 and will be subject to regular review.
 

Payments

  • You can pay a building control invoice online
  • Pay by phone using a debit or credit card by calling 01732 227376
  • Pay in person at our Sevenoaks offices using a credit or debit card or cash
  • Cheques made payable to 'Sevenoaks District Council'. Please attach a covering letter with the address and/or application reference and send to:
Sevenoaks District Council
Council Offices
Argyle Road
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1HG