Compliance Guide · Updated 8 June 2026

Building Control and council requirements are not the same thing, and confusing the two can delay a project. Planning departments generally look at whether the proposed development is acceptable in planning terms. Building Control looks at whether the work complies with Building Regulations.

Planning permission vs Building Control

Planning permission may be needed for extensions, change of use, major external alterations, listed buildings, conservation areas or works that affect the appearance or use of a property. Building Control is normally involved where work affects structure, fire safety, insulation, drainage, ventilation, electrical safety, accessibility or other regulated parts of the building.

A project can be permitted in planning terms but still fail Building Control if the construction details are not compliant.

Common issues clients face

  • Structural walls removed before calculations or approval are in place.
  • Drainage runs discovered to be different from the drawings.
  • Fire doors, compartment walls or escape routes required late in the programme.
  • Insulation, ventilation or damp details not considered early enough.
  • Electrical or gas certificates missing at completion.

Prepare before work starts

The best approach is to identify the likely approvals before site work begins. For structural openings, you normally need structural calculations and suitable drawings. For bathrooms, kitchens, commercial fit-outs and change-of-use projects, drainage, ventilation, fire safety and accessibility should be considered early.

JAY Executions advice: keep a project file from day one. Save drawings, calculations, specifications, inspection records, certificates, product data and photos of hidden works before they are covered.

During the project

Do not wait until completion to think about compliance. Some works need to be inspected before they are closed up, including structural steel, drainage, insulation, fire-stopping, floor build-ups and ventilation routes. If inspections are missed, opening up finished work can become costly.

At completion

Before final handover, check which certificates and documents are required. This may include electrical certificates, gas certificates, commissioning sheets, warranties, Building Control sign-off, fire-door details, ventilation information and product documentation.

Market note: this article was updated in June 2026 for London and UK clients dealing with refurbishment, extension and commercial fit-out approvals.

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