No, that would not meet the definition of commencement. And even if it did, you would still need to discharge any pre-commencement conditions or requirements first.
You will not be able to justify commencement without discharging any conditions or requirements first. Otherwise, you’d be in breach of Planning and open to enforcement action.
If it is noted on the approval, you could demolish it and then submit a Lawful Development Certificate application for an existing use. That will then confirm commencement.
But before any works start, make sure that any pre-commencement conditions or CIL requirements have been dealt with first.
You would only usually need Building Regulation/working drawings if submitting a Full Plans application to the LABC. Building Notice applications do not need to be accompanied with BR/WD’s. But do not expect the RBI (Registered Building Inspector was BCO) to tell you how to build it. That stopped about a year ago.
@flanagaj Are you sure the LPA’s main issue may be converting a bungalow to a two storey dwelling? Surely adopting a more traditional frontage is likely to be more favourable?
LPA’s may be willing to accept changes if they are minor (usually those that could be dealt with via a NMA application). Otherwise, you’d have to go back through another Planning process. Assume you’ve already sought Pre-application advice?
The LPA will request an EoT if required and a revised date will be provided. If you choose not to agree, the LPA will determine the application on the information they have at the time. It’s in the applicant’s or agent’s interest to agree the EoT.
@Alan Ambrose Still not getting used to the “quote” function so others would be made aware of your responses or queries 🙄 You do like making this more than it has to be.