Building control
Building regulations are minimum standards for design, construction and alterations to virtually every building. The regulations are developed by the UK government and approved by Parliament.
The Building Regulations 20101 cover the construction and extension of buildings and these regulations are supported by Approved Documents. Approved Documents2 set out detailed practical guidance on compliance with the regulations.
Building regulations approval is different from planning permission and you might need both for your project.
You can apply to any local authority building control department or Approved Inspector for building regulations approval.
- http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/2214/contents/made
- https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-documents
Make an application
Apply for building regulations approval to local authorities and approved inspectors.
Start an application (https://buildingcontrol.planningportal.co.uk/)
Start an applicationLABC department search
Use the search function on the LABC finder to find building control details for any local authority.
Start a search (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/find-your-LABC)
Start a searchApproved inspector search
Use our directory to find which building control approved inspectors are registered on the Planning Portal.
Find an inspector (https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control/approved-inspectors-directory)
Find an inspectorApproved documents
The most recent versions of the Approved Documents that support the technical "Parts" of the building regulations' requirements are accessible here
How to get approval
The way to obtain approval will depend on whether you choose to use the Building Control services of a Local Authority or an Approved Inspector.
Your responsibilities
The building regulations apply to most building work, therefore it is important to know when approval is needed and when you may not.