The building control system exists to ensure buildings are properly designed and constructed. Buildings must ensure the health, safety and welfare of people using them and must also be convenient to use.

Building Regulations

The current Building Regulations were introduced in 1991 and have subsequently been amended several times. Principal areas covered by the regulations:

• Structural stability - the building must safely carry anticipated loadings.
• Fire precautions - controlling the materials used according to the degree of risk, and ensuring buildings could be evacuated without loss of life in the event of a fire.
• Prevention of dampness and condensation in buildings.
• Sound resistance of walls and floors between dwellings.
• Ventilation of habitable rooms and unheated voids.
• Hygiene, sanitary appliances and drainage.
• Heating appliances, including the safe discharge of flue gasses.
• Stairways, ramps and vehicle barriers.
• Conservation of fuel and power. For example, is the building properly insulated?
• Access to buildings and facilities for disabled people.
• The safe positioning of glazing in windows and doors.

Building Control Applications

Before making an application, please read our guide to how and when to make an application.

Full Plans Application

Building control generally operates as a two-stage process, referred to as the 'full plans application'.

Plan Stage

The first stage of any full plans application is known as the 'plan stage'. This first stage involves the applicant submitting detailed plans for approval. These plans are very carefully checked by a Building Control Officer to ensure they include all necessary information, and that they comply fully with the Building Regulations. Wherever possible, applicants are given the opportunity to make amendments (if required) before either an approval, conditional approval or rejection is given.

Inspections Stage

The second stage of a full plans application is known as the 'inspection stage'. This second stage starts when work commences on site. A series of site visits are made to check that work proceeds in accordance with the plan, and hence complies with regulations.

Building Notice Application

For more simple works, an alternative application (known as the 'building notice application') is available, together with more specialized application types to meet specific needs.