About local authority building control
What is Local Authority Building Control?
Every local authority in England and Wales is required by law to provide a building control service, whose purpose is to enforce the requirements of the Building Act 1984 and the Building Regulations 2010.
Some provide this as a stand-alone service; others are part of a shared service or partnership, and others operate as a Local Authority-owned company or mutual.
The local authority services employ Registered Building Inspectors (RBIs) who assess plans, calculations, and specifications to ensure that proposed schemes, submitted by Principal Designers, demonstrate compliance with the relevant legislation.
They also inspect work on site at various stages to ensure that what is built, by Principal Contractors, builders, tradespeople, and installers, is in accordance with these designs.
Work can also be carried out under a Building Notice, where plans are not approved in advance, but compliance with the regulations is still checked on site.
They also receive retrospective applications for unauthorised work, known as Regularisation applications.
Local authority building control teams also receive notifications from private Registered Building Control Approvers and Competent Persons Schemes.
They control demolition work, respond to reports of dangerous structures, work as part of Local Authority Emergency Planning teams, and take part in Safety Advisory Groups, working alongside other agencies to ensure safety at sports grounds and major events.
Only local authorities have the power to undertake formal enforcement procedures if things go wrong.
All of these Local Authority Building Control services are part of the LABC network, benefitting from national guidance, standards, support, the Partner Authority Scheme, and learning and development opportunities.
Find your Local Authority Building Control
Five reasons to choose local authority building control
In-depth local expertise
Local authority building control surveyors possess a deep understanding of local ground conditions, non-standard construction, contamination and mining, potential drainage problems, and the historical details of properties in the area.
Impartial and independent service
As a public service, local authority building control is collaborative, completely independent, impartial, transparent, and accountable, with strong local knowledge.
Full enforcement powers
Only the local authority has direct legal enforcement powers under the Building Act 1984. This means they can order non-compliant building work to be altered or removed.
Coordinated and collaborative approach
Local authorities have established working relationships with other key agencies, such as planning, fire and rescue services, statutory undertakers like sewerage companies, and highways. This simplifies the process by ensuring all necessary consultations are handled efficiently, which can help prevent costly delays.
Proactive and robust assessment and inspection regimes
Local authorities provide a rigorous and consistent plan assessment and inspection process, including keeping records and issuing certification, in line with the Operational Standards Rules set out by the Building Safety Regulator, and their Quality Management Systems.