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.

Please note: the Building Safety Act 2022 came into force on 1 April 2023. This section will be updated later in 2024 to fully reflect the Building Safety Act. 

For recent FAQs on the Building Safety Act, see the RICS website. For information on the Building Safety Regulator, established under the Building Safety Act, see the Health and Safety Executive website.

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

RICS Journal article: Why BSR is extending building control registration date

RICS Journal article: Guidance issued on EV fire safety in car parks

RICS Journal article: How BSR ensures fire safety in high-rise buildings

RICS Journal article: Why is defining height and storeys now so difficult?