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.
St Albans District Council and Watford Council work in collaboration to deliver Building Control services across our areas. The benefits of our shared service allows us to respond faster and more efficiently to your needs using shared knowledge and experience.
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
Statement on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) at two of our properties.
RAAC roof planks were used in the construction many decades ago of two of our buildings, the William Bird and Abbey View sport pavilions.

Plan to enhance active travel is approved
A long-term plan to create better cycling and walking routes in St Albans District and encourage active travel has been agreed.

Local Plan consultation – still time to give your views
More than 1,500 people have already viewed a video providing information about the draft Local Plan for St Albans District.

Give your views on a draft Local Plan for St Albans District
A public consultation on a draft Local Plan for St Albans District is to be launched – with residents, community groups and businesses all urged to give their views.

Council takes steps towards its Local Plan public consultation
St Albans City and District Council is moving forward with its Local Plan, preparing for its Regulation 18 public consultation later this summer.

Major progress being made with creating a Local Plan for St Albans District
Major progress has been made with the production of a Local Plan for St Albans District with a public consultation on key proposals scheduled to start this summer.

£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.