What to do if your Registered Building Control Approver can no longer control your work

What to Do If Your RBCA Can No Longer Act: A Guide to Reversion Applications

If your Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA, formerly known as an Approved Inspector) is unable to continue overseeing your building project—perhaps due to ceasing trading or withdrawing from your project—there are important steps you need to follow to ensure your work remains compliant with Building Regulations.

What Happens When Your RBCA Can’t Continue?

• Initial Notice Cancellation:
  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 Started:
  Responsibility for Building Control will revert to the Local Authority (eg CNC Building Control) unless a new Initial Notice is submitted by another RBCA within 7 calendar days of the cancellation notice being received.
• If No New RBCA Is Appointed:
  The project must continue under Local Authority control. You must submit a Reversion Application so the Local Authority can assess compliance and carry out inspections.
• If Work Has Not 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.

Note: Transfers between RCBAs (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 new RCBA. Please note that a transfer certificate from the new RBCA should be submitted to the local authority within 21 days of the new initial notice being submitted.

If you’re unsure how to proceed or whether your project has reverted to the Local Authority, contact us  for advice before carrying out further works.

What the Local Authority Needs to Assess Reverted Works

When Building Control reverts to the Local Authority, you’ll need to provide detailed information so they can assess compliance with Building Regulations:

• 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 regulations in force when the work was undertaken.
• Photographs or supporting evidence showing work in progress, if available.
• The appropriate fee (contact us for a quote, as fees are assessed individually based on project scale and complexity).

Once sufficient information is received, the Local Authority will:

• Carry out an inspection of the work.
• Advise on any steps required to bring the project in line with Building Regulations.
• Request that elements of the work be opened up if needed (kept to a minimum).
• Confirm any necessary works to achieve compliance and whether a Completion Certificate can be issued.

How to Submit a Reversion Application

To apply for Building Regulations approval after an Initial Notice is cancelled:

1. Complete and return the following forms:
   • Reversion Application Form – this can be found on our downloads page
   • Form 10 – Notice of Cancellation by Person Carrying Out Work – this can be found on our downloads page and only need to be completed if the initial notice has not be formally cancelled by the old RBCA
2. Send both forms by email to the Local Authority, along with:
   • Relevant plans, drawings, and RBCA inspection notes or supporting documentation.

The Local Authority will assess your application, confirm next steps, and calculate the applicable fees.

Important: The Local Authority is not responsible for fees paid to the previous RBCA or their ability to continue operating.  Complaints about an RBCA should be directed to the Building Safety Regulator.

Further Guidance and What to Submit

When submitting a Reversion Application, you may be asked to:

• Uncover parts of the work for inspection.
• Carry out appropriate tests or provide samples if necessary.
• Provide additional information or justification of works already undertaken ie by a structural engineer

If these requests are not met, the Local Authority may not be able to confirm compliance.

Required documents and information:

• Completed Form 10 (Notice of Cancellation) – if the project has not already been cancelled by the old RBCA
• Completed Reversion Application Form
• Payment of the appropriate fee
• Supporting information from the previous RBCA, including:
  • Plans and certificates
  • Site inspection records
  • Actions taken and outcomes
• A comprehensive technical information pack, which may include:
  • 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

The Local Authority will review your submission, carry out necessary consultations, and arrange site inspections. Additional information or inspections may be requested.

Charges and Quotation

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

• Application administration
• Plan checking (we will need to check the plans even though the RBCA may have undertaken this part of the works)
• Statutory consultations
• All site inspections
• Issuing a Completion Certificate

Fees are calculated on a cost-recovery basis. If additional time or inspections are required, further charges may apply according to published hourly rates.

Key Points to Remember

• 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 Building Regulations.
• For full details, see Regulation 22 of the Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (England) Regulations 2024.

If you have any questions or need advice, contact your Local Authority Building Control team before proceeding. Their aim is to guide you through the process and help you achieve compliance.