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 surveyors carry out site visits Monday to Friday between 10.30am and 2.30pm
Important information – Approved inspectors
Approved Inspectors are required to carry Professional Indemnity insurance and Professional Liability insurance from a scheme provider approved by the Secretary of State for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). One of these scheme providers is pulling out of the market leaving only one remaining provider.
While some Approved Inspectors have been able to transfer their policies, some haven’t been offered suitable cover. The CICAIR website includes details of insurances held by each Approved Inspector.
If your Approved Inspector hasn’t been able to transfer their policy or been offered suitable cover, and your project has commenced on site, then your building works will revert to us at St Albans District Council.
Please note: that the Approved Inspector you choose may not be local and the frequency of inspections may need to be determined
Service News

£300,000 award to improve planning service for residents
A £300,000 grant has been awarded to St Albans City and District Council’s planning team for an important digital project.

Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – only a few days left to make sure your views are heard
Residents and community groups have only a few days left to give their views about a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for St Albans District.
Give your views on a Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for St Albans District
Residents, businesses and community groups can help shape a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for St Albans District.
Timetable for St Albans District’s Local Plan
A timetable for producing a Local Plan for St Albans District has been approved by Councillors.
Have your say on the future of South West Hertfordshire
Views on the future of South West Hertfordshire are being invited, as a draft vision for the area which aspires to accelerate ‘positive change’ is now open for public con

Consultation opens on measures to improve planning process
A public consultation has begun on measures intended to improve the planning application process in St Albans District.
Housing figures for St Albans District to be challenged
The Government is to be asked to urgently clarify how future housing need in St Albans District is to be calculated.

South West Herts’ vision proceeds to next stage
Residents are to be consulted on a detailed vision for further improving South West Hertfordshire.

How St Albans District will be impacted by measures to protect the Chilterns Beechwoods
Measures taken to prevent the Chilterns Beechwoods suffering further damage may impact some planning applications in St Albans District.
Changes to planning application process
An important change to the process for planning applications has been agreed by St Albans City and District Council.
Hemel Garden Communities appoints new Programme Director
Hemel Garden Communities has appointed Phillipa Zieba to the role of Programme Director. Phillipa brings with her a wealth of experience, from her previous role as Head
Hertsmere Borough Council’s Local Plan “needs a rethink”
Plans to create a garden village to the south-east of St Albans District would be in breach of the Government’s Green Belt policy, Councillors have warned.
Improvements to planning application process
Improvements to the planning application system in St Albans District have been recommended for the benefit of all those involved.
Plan to improve cycling and walking networks
A plan to create better cycling and walking routes in St Albans District is to be drawn up to encourage active travel.
Neighbourhood plan for St Stephen – give your views
Residents, businesses and community groups are being consulted about a neighbourhood plan for the parish of St Stephen.
Sandridge Neighbourhood Plan – referendum to be held
Residents in Sandridge are to vote in a referendum on a neighbourhood plan that will help shape the area’s future development.