Kirklees Together

Whether you’re planning a home extension, converting your loft or building a brand-new property, it’s important to understand when Building Regulations approval is needed. Many people assume that if planning permission isn’t required, they don’t need to contact Building Control – but that’s not always the case. 

What is Building Control? 

Building Control is a government-approved service that helps ensure building work meets the UK’s Building Regulations. These regulations set minimum standards for the design, construction and safety of buildings. 

Our role is to make sure building work is carried out safely and complies with the regulations. We assess plans, inspect work on site at key stages of construction and provide guidance throughout the building process. 

Building Control also responds to reports of dangerous structures, oversees demolition notifications and works alongside partner organisations to help keep people safe at sports grounds and other public events. 

Why Building Control matters 

Building Control plays a vital role in protecting people, property and communities. By ensuring building work meets national standards, we help to: 

• Keep people safe by checking structural stability, fire safety, electrical safety and accessibility. 

• Improve energy efficiency through standards covering insulation, ventilation and carbon emissions. 

• Protect homeowners and building occupiers by helping to ensure work is completed correctly. 

• Support high-quality, sustainable development across Kirklees. 

• Provide independent guidance and reassurance throughout construction projects. 

• Maintain public confidence that homes, workplaces and public buildings are safe to use. 

What types of work need Building Control? 

Building Regulations apply to many types of domestic building work, including: 

• Home extensions. 

• Loft, garage and basement conversions. 

• New homes, flats and property conversions. 

• Replacing a conservatory roof with a solid roof. 

• Internal alterations, such as removing walls, creating additional rooms or installing new bathrooms and en-suites. 

• Re-roofing work (unless carried out by a contractor registered with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors). 

• Installing new windows and doors (unless completed by a FENSA or CERTASS registered installer). 

• Drainage works, including septic tanks. 

• Outbuildings and annexes (unless exempt). 

• Electrical rewiring (unless carried out by an electrician registered with NICEIC or NAPIT). 

Some smaller projects, such as certain porches, conservatories and outbuildings, may be exempt from Building Regulations. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking before work begins. 

Ways to apply 

There are three main ways to apply for Building Regulations approval: 

Full Plans – The recommended option for most projects. Your plans are checked before work starts, giving greater certainty that the proposed work complies with the regulations. 

Building Notice – Suitable for smaller domestic projects. Work can begin without submitting detailed plans, although inspections will still take place during construction. 

Regularisation – If work has already started or has been completed without Building Control approval, you may be able to submit a retrospective application. 

Why choose Kirklees Building Control? 

Our experienced team provides an independent, professional service to homeowners, builders and developers across Kirklees. 

We offer: 

• Experienced local surveyors with in-depth knowledge of the area. 

• Expertise across a wide range of projects, from domestic work to high-risk buildings. 

• Thorough plan assessments and on-site inspections. 

• Independent, impartial guidance throughout your project. 

• An ISO 9001 certified quality management service. 

Here to help 

We want to make Building Control as straightforward as possible by providing clear guidance, making applications and inspections easy to arrange, and supporting customers from the earliest planning stages through to project completion. 

If you’re unsure whether your project needs Building Regulations approval, or you’d like guidance before starting work, please contact the Building Control team or visit our website to find out more.