Building Control - What is it? How do I get approval? Why do I need it when I don't need planning permission?

Building control is the way that the government ensures that all buildings meet minimum standards of construction for everyone's safety and wellbeing. Approval is often required for projects even when there is no requirement for planning permission. Certain types of construction projects are permitted under planning law, however, these projects still have to be built to the same minimum standards. This means that many projects still require building control approval even if they don't require planning permission.

If you're not sure which approvals you need for your project then contact us and we will advise you.

There are two ways to get building control approval:
1. Full Plans - this requires a full set of plans and information to be submitted to building control before starting work. You can start work once you have approval.
2. Notice - this happens onces you start work and the construction work will be assessed by inspectors during the build.

Each option for applying for building control approval has pros and cons. Contact us to find out which option suits your project requirements.