Welcome to Building Control.  We offer the full range of advice and services in relation to all aspects of Building Control.

What is Building Control?
The building control system exists to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in accordance with the Building Regulations and associated legislation.  Guidance is given through the Approved Documents which give general advice on structural stability, fire resistance, weather resistance, thermal insulation etc.

Building control also deals with the administration of demolitions notices and competent persons schemes and provision of a 24 hour response to dangerous structures.

The Building Regulations apply to building work in England and Wales and set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings.  They also include requirements furthering the conservation of fuel and power, preventing waste or undue consumption of water and facilitating sustainable development.

Our Building Control team is responsible for the building control function within the Borough and is organised into three area teams (Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3).  Each team carries out the whole range of building control functions within its area including plan checking, site inspections, dealing with demolitions and dangerous structures, administration of competent persons schemes and certificated work.

Our Planning and Building Control services are on the 2nd floor of Millmead House.  We have a helpdesk to assist with general questions and advice and application forms are also available here as well as online.  For opening times, please visit the Planning helpdesk.  We also have a duty surveyor available in the office, over the phone or at our Planning Helpdesk to answer general questions relating to construction within the borough.

News and updates

• New online fee calculator available.
• The standard rate of VAT was temporarily reduced to 15 per cent on 1 December 2008 and it will return to 17.5 per cent on 1 January 2010.
  If you are using our charges scheme 2009 [PDF] (578k) you will therefore need to recalculate your charge allowing for VAT at 17.5%.
• Gas Safe replaces Corgi.
• Submit your Building Regulation application online
• Approved Document Part G was due to be replaced in October 2009.  This has now been delayed until April 2010.  A Draft Approved Document Part G (2009 Edition) (this page opens in a new window) is available to view or download.

Building Control
Planning Services
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
GU2 4BB

Tel: 01483 444545
Email: buildingcontrol@guildford.gov.uk