First identify the existing record
Find the planning decision, building control application or initial notice, approved drawings, inspection correspondence and any installation certificates. These documents have different purposes. A planning approval or a record of a foundation inspection is not the final certificate for the whole project. [3] [4]
Ask the building control body to confirm the status in writing. Establish whether it is waiting for a final inspection, completion of identified work, technical evidence or dutyholder declarations. Do not assume the application was closed successfully merely because no recent correspondence was received. [2] [5]
Where an application already exists
Arrange a review of the outstanding items and agree how they will be resolved. If important work is concealed, building control may need further evidence, tests or opening up. The need depends on what remains unverified; there is no automatic rule that an old photograph will replace every missed inspection. [6]
If the private approver is no longer able to act, establish whether a formal transfer or reversion to the council is needed. A different inspector cannot simply issue a certificate for the old appointment without the proper process. [7] [8]
Where there was no approval arrangement
A council regularisation application may be available for eligible unauthorised work carried out after 11 November 1985. It is not a private-approver service, and the council may require changes to bring the work into compliance before issuing a regularisation certificate. [3]
Do not assume that the age of the work establishes compliance. The regularisation process concerns the work and the applicable requirements, rather than a promise that no further inspection will be needed. [3]
Do not confuse planning and building control
Planning enforcement time limits do not provide a building regulations completion certificate. If planning permission or a lawfulness issue also needs resolving, handle it as a separate question. GOV.UK explicitly distinguishes the two approval systems. [1]
Similarly, a missing Thames Water agreement can require separate investigation where work affects a public sewer. A building control application alone does not replace the sewer company's consent. [9]
A practical route forward
Make an evidence list, obtain the authority's outstanding-item schedule and arrange the necessary technical assessment. Keep any cost dispute with the original builder separate from the steps needed to establish the condition and compliance of the work.
For a sale, purchase or enforcement dispute, obtain project-specific professional advice before relying on an assumption about missing documents. The useful result is a clear, accurate record of what is approved and what still needs to be put right. [1]