About Building Control
The primary function of Building Control is to advise on the compliance of buildings in relation to the current Building Regulations, so as to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people using them.
Building Control regulates the construction of buildings, ensuring they meet the standards set out in the Building Regulations. They make sure that buildings are structurally sound, safe in the event of fire, have adequate drainage, ventilation and toilet facilities, are accessible for disabled persons and are energy efficient to heat and light.
The Building Regulations are supported by technical documents that set out the minimum acceptable standards to which buildings should be constructed. Building Control ensure these standards are met, by approving drawings and calculations as well as inspecting work on-site.
The Building Control Department is based in the centre of Stevenage, where a team of experienced District Surveyors assigned to a specific area within each section.
Working closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) we endeavour to achieve and maintain high standards of site work across the District. More information can be found out from their website, http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/buildingcontrol.htm.
In the day to day working of the Building Control department two of the main aspect of our work include;
Inspection of work on site
The work will be checked by qualified Building Control Surveyors and Structural Engineers at regular stages. They will tell you what they need to see and you must inform us when that stage is reached.
- Request a site visit (online form)
Checking plans for new building work
Our qualified Building Control Surveyors and Structural Engineers will ensure that plans comply with the Building Regulations. You will therefore have the security of knowing that, if your builder follows the plans, then Building work should also comply.
Our performance standards
Stevenage Borough Council Building Control will;
- Acknowledge an application within 7 days of deposit
- Issue a plan check letter on full plans applications within 21 days
- Issue a completion certificate within 7 days of the completion date
- Inspect statutory site work within 1 working day of notification
- Attend dangerous structures within 3 hours of notification.
It should be noted that for certain categories of work you will probably have to get approval from the Planning Service under the planning legislation.
Contact Details
Building Control
Stevenage Borough Council
Daneshill House
Danestrete
Stevenage
SG1 1HN
Tel: 01438 242264
Fax: 01438 242922
Email: buildingcontrol@stevenage.gov.uk