Building control information for homeowners

Find out when you need building regulations approval, how to apply, and where to get guidance.

What building regulations approval is

Our Building Control service provides guidance and support to help building work meet the Building Regulations and related legislation.

Building regulations approval is different from planning permission.

Planning permission guides how towns, cities and countryside develop. Building Regulations set standards for building design and construction. They help make sure building work is:

  • structurally sound
  • fire safe
  • energy efficient

Check if you need building regulations approval

You usually need building regulations approval to construct or extend a building. It is a legal requirement.

Check if you need building regulations approval.

If you need approval, apply for building regulations approval.

You can also get more information from:

Why use our Building Control service

There are several providers that can inspect building work in the borough. If you do not get the correct building regulations approval, it may affect the value of your home.

Our Building Control service can help by:

  • providing fully independent surveyors who issue a completion certificate when the work complies with the Building Regulations
  • giving you peace of mind that the work has been checked properly
  • offering a cost-effective alternative to private approved inspectors
  • saving you money, depending on the approved inspector. Our fees are usually 10% to 20% cheaper
  • drawing on more than 120 years of combined staff experience
  • providing staff who all have a Higher National Certificate in construction or a higher qualification
  • inspecting a wide range of projects, from domestic extensions to large commercial office developments and infrastructure projects
  • making it easy to apply
  • giving you quick access to advice and guidance
  • working proactively with you to find solutions to construction challenges

Contact Building Control

For more information, contact the Building Control team.

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