Reversion Applications

Reversion Applications - If Your Approved Inspector Can No Longer Act

Guidance on the steps to take if your Approved Inspector (now referred to as a Registered Building Control Approver, or RBCA) can no longer operating and building work has already started.

If your Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) is no longer able to carry out their duties, such as if they cease trading or withdraw from your project, the Initial Notice must be cancelled. This can be done by either the RBCA, or the person carrying out the work (usually the owner or developer).

If work has already started, responsibility for Building Control will revert to the Local Authority unless a new Initial Notice is submitted by another RBCA within 7 calendar days of the cancellation notice being received by us.
If no new RBCA is appointed within that timeframe, the project must continue under Local Authority control, and you must submit a Reversion Application so we can assess compliance with Building Regulations and carry out any necessary inspections.
If work has not yet started, you may appoint a new RBCA, or use the Local Authority Building Control service, but a new application must be submitted before any work begins.

Please note: Transfers between RCBA's (where work does not revert to the Local Authority) require formal documentation, including a Transfer Certificate and Transfer Report, and must be initiated by the RCBA's involved. The Local Authority does not manage or oversee this process.

If you're unsure how to proceed or whether your project has reverted to us, please contact us for advice before carrying out any further works.

What We Need to Assess Reverted Works

When Building Control reverts to the Local Authority, we need detailed information to assess whether any work already completed complies with the Building Regulations.

Please provide:

A description of the works carried out, including plans showing the original (existing) layout and the proposed or completed works.
Construction drawings and structural calculations (if applicable) to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations that applied when the work was originally undertaken.
Photographs, or supporting evidence showing work in progress, if available as these can reduce the need for opening up finished elements.
The appropriate fee - Please contact us for a quote for the fee to be paid for the Reversion process. Each reversion application is assessed individually, and the fee will reflect the scale and complexity of the project, and the time required to check compliance.

Once we've received sufficient information, we will:

Carry out an inspection of the work.
Advise you on any steps required to bring the project in line with Building Regulations.
Request that elements of the work be opened up if needed (we aim to keep this to a minimum).

After our assessment, we will confirm:

Any necessary works to achieve compliance.
Whether the works comply and a Reversion Certificate can be issued.

How to Submit a Reversion Application

To apply for Building Regulations approval following the cancellation of an Initial Notice, please complete and return the below Reversion Application Form along with a Form 10 - Notice of Cancellation by Person Carrying Out Work under the Registered Building Control Approver Regulations. These forms are required to formally notify us that you wish to revert the work to the Local Authority.

Please send both completed forms to us by email, along with any relevant plans, drawings and RBCA inspection notes and/or supporting documentation.

Once received, we will assess the application and confirm the next steps, including calculating the applicable fees.

We understand this may be a concerning situation, and our aim is to guide you through the process to help you achieve compliance and obtain a Reversion Certificate confirming Building Regulations approval.

Please note:

We are not responsible for fees paid to the previous Registered Building Control Approver, or their ability to continue operating.
Any complaints regarding a Registered Building Control Approver should be directed to the Building Safety Regulator.

Further Guidance

When a Reversion Application is submitted, we may require the applicant to take reasonable steps to help us assess compliance, including:

Uncovering parts of the work for inspection
Carrying out appropriate tests, or providing samples if necessary

If these requests are not met, we may not be able to confirm whether the works comply with the Building Regulations.

Please note:

Submitting a Reversion Application does not limit the Council's enforcement powers under Sections 35 and 36 of the Building Act 1984.
It is the building owner's and contractor's responsibility to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.

What to Submit with a Reversion Application

To begin the Reversion process, please provide the following:

A completed Form 10 - Notice of Cancellation by Person Carrying Out Work confirming cancellation of the original Initial Notice
A completed Reversion Application Form
Payment of the appropriate fee
Supporting information from the previous Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA), including:
- Any plans and certificates
- Site inspection records
- Any actions taken and outcomes
A comprehensive technical information pack, which may include but not be limited to (as applicable):
- Drawings (plans, sections, elevations, site layout)
- Specifications
- Structural calculations
- M&E designs
- Energy assessments
- Air and sound test results
- Statutory consultation responses, or formal agreements
- Specialist reports, third-party certifications, or warranties

We will review the submission against current Building Regulations, carry out any necessary consultations, and request further information where needed. We will also arrange site inspections to assess compliance, including additional inspections if works are ongoing. We aim to review all available documentation and may request parts of the work to be exposed to confirm compliance. While we will consider RBCA provided information in good faith, we cannot guarantee its completeness, or accuracy.

Charges and Quotation

Reversion fees are calculated based on the details and complexity of the project, including evidence from the RCA's inspection records. Fees cover:

Application administration
Plan checking (if no formal plans certificate was issued by the RBCA)
Statutory consultations
All site inspections
Issuing a Reversion Certificate

Please note:
Our fees are calculated on a cost-recovery basis. If additional time or inspections are required beyond the standard scope, further charges may apply in accordance with our published hourly rates.

This summary is for guidance only. For full details, see Regulation 22 of the Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 (opens new window)