Building control

The purpose of building control, as set out by the government, is to ensure that all relevant building work accords with the government's objectives of securing the health and safety of building users, promoting energy efficiency and making access easier for all.

In the past, building control was mostly exercised by local authorities. A substantial part of building work today continues to be under local authority control and supervision. However, an alternative system (control by an 'approved inspector') has also developed.

Control is enforced through the Building Regulations. The current Regulations are the Building Regulations 2010, which came into force on 1 October 2010.

This section was maintained by Tony Harvey-Soanes of Vantage Building Control Ltd.

Related content