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Building Control

What is Building Control?

Building regulations dictate the design and construction of buildings as well as the provision of services, fittings and equipment. They are the minimum standards laid down by the government.

Middlesbrough Council's Building Control service oversees the regulations set out in the Building Act 1984 and other relevant building legislation.

The department:

  • ensures that all building work complies with relevant regulations
  • ensures the health and safety of people in and around buildings is maintained
  • ensures that the welfare and convenience of people with disabilities are properly catered for
  • advises on legislation about conservation of fuel and power

The LABC Front Door website gives advice on home improvements, building regulations, contracts, working with builders and designers, planning permission, and more.

The building control process

Do I need building regulations approval?

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Not all building projects need building regulations approval. The Planning Portal website has a useful interactive tool which helps you to find out whether your project needs approval.

First, choose your building type (detached house, terrace, or flat and shop), then click the feature you're planning to build or add, for example, solar panels or external lighting.

You'll then need to click on the tab called 'building regulations' to get the information you need.

How do I submit an application?

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You can submit your applications through the Planning Portal website. This is a free service which allows you to submit building regulation applications to us, but you do not have the option to pay for your application online.

We've updated our application forms and notices due to changes to building control laws. You must only use these forms, we will not accept previous versions of the forms.

New building control forms:

You can submit these forms by email to buildingcontrol@middlesbrough.gov.uk or by post to: Building Control, PO Box 504, Middlesbrough, TS1 9FY.

If you cannot download and print the form yourself, you can contact us to ask for a paper version. Email buildingcontrol@middlesbrough.gov.uk or call 01642 729375.

Booking a Building Control inspection

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You can book a site inspection by emailing buildingcontrol@middlesbrough.gov.uk or using the LABC app.

Appointments must be booked by 4pm the day before the inspection is needed.

Discontinued service by an Approved Inspector

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If your project has started on site and you have since been informed by your appointed Approved Inspector that they are unable to continue to provide service (for example, because the company no longer holds professional indemnity insurance to operate as an Approved Inspector), then the person undertaking the work or building owner will need to take steps to ensure the development remains lawful.

How do I search for an application?

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You can use the online tool to search for a building regulation application.

Contact

Information on building regulations and associated legislation, energy conservation, design, and conservation areas, can be found on the Local Authority Building Control (LABC) website.

You can also call 01642 729375 or email buildingcontrol@middlesbrough.gov.uk.

For information relating to planning services, including planning applications, enforcement, advice and information call 01642 729377 or email developmentcontrol@middlesbrough.gov.uk.