8. Commencement of work
What you will need to do (including Client, Principal Designer and Principal Contractor)
Your application will automatically expire after 3 years unless the works have reached the point of being 'Commenced'. This is not to be confused with the start of work. Commencement is now a defined stage in the construction process which is set out in the Building Regulations 2010.
You will need to provide us with a Commencement Statement within 5 days of the work being regarded as commenced, under Regulation 15 of the Building Regulations etc. (Amendment)(England) Regulations 2023.
Regulation 46A sets out the construction requirements for works to be deemed as commenced, but in summary:
For complex buildings - Foundations are constructed and the structure of the lowest level is complete.
For new buildings and horizontal extensions -Sub-surface structure of the building or the extension including all foundations, any basement level (if any) and the structure of the ground floor level is completed.
For all other works - When 15% of the work has been completed.
You will be provided with a blank commencement statement with your acknowledgement letter. you will need to complete this statement and return it to us either as a scanned copy which you can email to buildingcontrol@eastdevon.gov.uk or by post to Building Control, East Devon District Council, Blackdown House, Border Road, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1EJ.
If you no longer have the copy that was sent to you with your acknowledgement letter, you can download a copy.