Building control

News and Advice

Changes to the Building Control Application Process

From October 2023, new regulations came into force. This places new requirements on duty holders, which includes the applicant, client, principal designer and principal contractor. Please read the guidance found here for further information. Applications for Building Control Approval with Full Plans (the new name for Full Plans applications) have changed and the applicant has a duty to ensure they have competent designers and contractors working for them if they do not deem themselves competent.

For Applications for Building Control Approval with Full Plans and Building Notices, the applicant must submit to the Building Control Body a notification of completion in accordance with Regulation 16(4a). Failure to submit this notification will result in the completion certification being withheld. If you would like to find out more about this process, please contact the Building Control Team who will be glad to discuss it further with you.

Building Control phone numbers

From 15th January 2024 Building Control will be operating a new phone system. Please continue to use 0208 736 6058 to arrange inspections or to speak to a member of the team. Individual officer extension numbers will be disconnected. If you wish to speak to a particular officer please call 0208 736 6058.

Important changes as a result of the Building Safety Act

From 1st October 2023 the Building Regulations changed as a result of the Building Safety Act 2022. This creates dutyholders with the Building Act. Information on the requirements of duty holders and how it affects building owners, designers and contractors can be found on Changes to the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended 2023) as a result of the Building Safety Act 2022.

Same Day Site inspections

Harrow Building Control operates a same day site inspection service for the benefit of our customers. If you require a same day inspection you must telephone the office before 9.00am on the day. (020 8736 6058)

At busy times please leave a message and one of the team will get back to you. Unfortunately, we cannot arrange same day inspections by email.

Harrow Building Control schedule of fees

Some fees are changing on the 6th April 2024 and notification can be found here. The revised charges for our standard fees can be found below:

For an individually assessed fee, please contact our Building Control team using the contact details on this webpage.

Making a payment

  • Use our facility to pay online. You will need to know the type of application and reference number. If you are unsure of this please call the office via the details at the end of the page.
  • To pay the fee by debit or credit card over the phone, please call us on 020 8736 6058 or email bcontrol@harrow.gov.uk.
  • We can also accept cheques, however, due to staffing availability there may be significant delays processing cheques and subsequently the application.

Cheques should be:

  • made payable to Harrow Council
  • include details of the site address and the application reference
  • sent to the Building Control, PO Box 37, Harrow, HA3 3QZ
  • marked for the attention of Planning and Building Control

Planning Advice

Unfortunately, Building Control Staff are unable to offer Planning Advice. Please contact the Duty Planner, which operates Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 12:30pm, on 0208 424 1660.

Revised Approved Documents

Five New and Revised Approved Documents were introduced in 2022 and the transition period ended in 2023, B, F, L, O and S.

Please visit GOV.UK to see other Approved Documents.

Building control guides

Useful building control websites

Government Advice (Covid)

If you are still concerned about Covid, please read the best practice guidance document.

This document was produced by Construction Leadership Council for safe site working for information and we recommend that you adopt the proposed measures as quickly as possible.

Please also read this advice from the Federation of Master Builders.