Building Control is responsible for ensuring that the Building Regulations, a set of construction standards laid down by Parliament, are enforced in your local Council. The standards include requirements on health, structural stability, fire safety, energy conservation and accessibility.
These standards are enforced through plan assessment and site inspection by impartial professionals with a thorough knowledge of The Building Regulations and other relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice and guidance.
The Building Control team communicate with other bodies such as The Housing Executive, Northern Ireland Fire Brigade, and other professional bodies to promote a unified approach to compliance.
There is a common confusion among the public between Building Control and Planning. The Planning Service is concerned with, amongst other issues, the siting of the building, its visual impact on the surrounding area and general aesthetics. Building Control is concerned with the safety and health of people in and around the building. In the majority of cases Planning permission must be obtained and a Building Control application made before building works commence.
When a building is completed Building Control will issue a Certificate of Completion once it is satisfied that all necessary Building Regulations have been adhered to.
Your local Building Control Department is there to offer you professional help and impartial advice on your project and to answer any queries you may have on regulatory issues.
