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Dorset Council holds Building Regulation files for a period of 15 years from the date of completion of the building work. These records are either stored in paper file format or electronic records. However we cannot guarantee availability of all building control documentation especially with older properties.
If you are the owner of a property you can arrange to view certain plans relating to the property. However, under copyright law, copies can only be made available with the written consent of the original author.
Please contact us to arrange a search of our records. You must notify the council in writing, via email. Depending on how old the files are and where they are stored it may take up to a week to retrieve the documentation.
Viewing is by appointment only and you will need proof of ownership, this could be in the form of a copy of a recent utility bill.
You can obtain copies of the plans relating to your property providing we have the drawings and written permission from the author of the drawings, this is required by copyright laws. Standard copying charges apply and payment is received in advance.
Copies of these can be obtained by written request via email. Confirming you are the owner of the property. There is a charge for this service.
Building notice procedure does not require the council to issue a formal decision notice. However, an acknowledgement letter is issued on receipt and on satisfactory completion of the works a completion certificate is issued. A copy of the acknowledgement letter or the completion certificate can be obtained following written request via email.
The replacement of completion certificates, or other authorising documentation is charged at £55+vat for the first document and £30+vat per documents thereafter. This cost covers the time of the search of historical documentation, retrieval of files and production of new documents.
Plans deposited with a local authority under the Building Regulations are not documents which the public are entitled to inspect under the Local Government Act 1972. However, with the owners written authorisation you may be able to view the plans.