Building control and regulations guidance

The building control web pages offer information about how we can assist you in all functions associated with building control.

Apply for building regulation approval

Book a site inspection

Inspection requests can be made by using the LABC site inspection app or you can Contact Building Control.

All inspection requests must be made by 3.30pm the day before they are required. This is to ensure that inspections will be carried out when requested and surveyors will be able to plan their inspection diaries ahead of time.

Building regulations

Information about the building regulations and further guidance you may find useful.

The Building Regulations

Additional building control functions

We are responsible for many functions, of which the principle one is ensuring the health and safety of people in and around buildings by the implementation of The Building Act 1984 and associated legislation.

Higher-Risk Buildings

From 1 October 2023, local authorities are unable to receive building regulation applications for building work to a higher-risk building (HRB).

An HRB is a building at least 18 metres in height or at least 7 storeys (not including any basement storeys) and which has at least two residential units. HRBs also include residential care homes and hospital in-patient care buildings which meet the same height threshold.

Building regulation applications relating to HRBs must be submitted direct to the Building Safety Regulator at Gov.uk: Manage a building control application for a higher-risk building.

Further information on the building regulation application process for HRBs can be found at Gov.uk: Managing building control approval applications for higher-risk buildings.

You can find details of how to contact the Building Safety Regulator at Gov.uk: Contact the Building Safety Regulator or telephone 0300 790 6787.

Additional information sources and useful links

Our service standards

Building Control Customer Service Standards

Customer comments

Building Control feedback

Contact Building Control

Email buildingcontrol@durham.gov.uk
Telephone 03000 262 832