Building control
Our building control team is here to give advice on buildings and building works to ensure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of people using them. We offer a fast, proactive and customer-focused service within the City and District.
We aim to help achieve compliance with the building regulations in the most cost-effective manner, whilst maintaining the original design concept. We can give pre-application advice and work with you to develop your scheme, which can result in cost savings. We have close links with other Council services, including Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue. We can offer a development team approach, which is unique to Local Authority Building Control.
Contact us by:
Telephone: 01727 819289 (Technical Support)
Email: buildingcontrol@stalbans.gov.uk
Building Control Officers carry out site visits Monday to Friday between 10.30am and 2.30pm.
COVID-19 UPDATE
TEMPORARY CHANGES TO OUR SERVICE
Due to the current COVID-19 emergency, St Albans District Council Building Control has reviewed its inspection policy.
To adhere to the government guidelines on social distancing, we aim to continue to offer a comprehensive inspection service as circumstances allow, either in person or remotely.
We will visit sites to inspect the key structural parts of your project including (but not limited to):
- foundation excavations
- steel work
- drainage
- fire safety work
If we make a physical site visit, we will take every precaution to ensure we all stay safe. Our surveyors will adhere to the latest government guidance around social distancing, by not shaking hands and maintaining a distance of 1 metre plus from people on site.
We will sometimes accept an 'evidence based' approach for some inspections. This evidence needs to be agreed with your case officer. Please email buildingcontrol@stalbans.gov.uk or call 01727 819289.
Plan checking will continue as normal. If possible please submit applications electronically.
Service News
‘Local Plan’ blueprint for development – inspectors censure Council on ‘duty to cooperate’
In latest developments, Planning Inspectors have concluded that St Albans City and District Council’s draft Local Plan has not met the ‘Duty to Cooperate’ with neighbouring authorities, in legal te
Consultation on neighbourhood plan for Sandridge
Residents, businesses and community groups are being consulted about a neighbourhood plan for the parish of Sandridge.
Support for Local Plan to move forward
Neighbouring local authorities and house builders are supporting St Albans City and District Council’s ambition of moving forward with its Local Plan (LP).
Take care of protected trees
Residents in St Albans District are reminded to check the status of trees before they do any work on them during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Inspectors detail Local Plan concerns
Planning Inspectors have provided detailed feedback to St Albans City and District Council following concerns expressed earlier in the year over its draft Local Plan.
Get involved and have your say on life in South West Hertfordshire
More than 2,500 people have so far given their views on what they like about life in their part of South West Hertfordshire, what matters to them and what could be better.
Design contest for major City Centre development
Three new designs for a major St Albans City Centre development have been put forward – with residents being asked to help select the best proposal.
Have your say on North St Albans Masterplan
St Albans City and District Council is working with the landowners and land promoters of a key site in the north of the city to develop a Masterplan for the delivery of an exceptional new neighbour
Have your say on North West Harpenden Masterplan
St Albans City and District Council is working with the landowners and applicants at this site in North West Harpenden to develop a Masterplan in consultation with the community and local stakehold
Local Plan examination hearing
Residents and businesses will be able to view in real time a broadcast of St Albans City and District Council’s Local Plan examination hearing.
'In principle' decision to purchase commercial retail estate in Harpenden to be scrutinised
An ‘in principle’ decision by St Albans City and District Council’s Cabinet to purchase the freehold of a mixed portfolio of properties in Harpenden is to be scrutinised.
Expert panel to advise on major St Albans District developments
A 20-strong panel of independent architects, town planners and other experts is to be set up to advise on sustainable developments in the St Albans District.
Planning decision upheld
A property extension is in breach of planning permission and will need to be rebuilt, a Planning Inspector has ruled.
Local Plan Examination dates
Dates for the initial examination hearing for St Albans City and District Council’s Local Plan have been announced.
Local Plan to be submitted to Secretary of State
A Local Plan identifying land for future development in St Albans District is to be submitted to the Government for examination.
April start for Harpenden leisure development
Building work on the new £18.8 million sport and cultural centres in Harpenden is to start next month.