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Building Control: Private vs Local Authority
Every extension needs Building Regulations approval. You can choose between your Local Authority Building Control or a Private Approved Inspector. We explain your options and provide everything your builder needs.
Building Notice submission is typically handled by your builder. Our fee does not include the building control inspector's fee, which is payable directly to them.
Local Authority vs Private Approved Inspector
Both options have the same legal authority to approve your building work. Here's how they compare.
Local Authority
Advantages:
- No need to choose - automatically assigned
- Direct relationship with planning department
- Non-profit organisation
- Can enforce building regulations
Considerations:
- • Potentially slower response times
- • Less flexibility with inspection scheduling
- • May have capacity constraints
- • Variable service levels by council
Private Approved Inspector
Advantages:
- Often faster turnaround times
- More flexible inspection scheduling
- Dedicated project manager
- Competitive pricing
- Consistent service quality
Considerations:
- • Need to research and choose provider
- • Must notify local authority
- • May need to pay upfront
Our recommendation: For most extension projects, we work with trusted Private Approved Inspectors who offer competitive rates and reliable service. However, we can submit to your Local Authority if preferred.
What Do Building Regulations Cover?
Building Regulations are divided into "Parts" covering different aspects of construction safety and efficiency.
Structure
Foundation design, load-bearing walls, roof structure, and overall structural stability.
Fire Safety
Fire escape routes, fire-resistant materials, smoke alarms, and compartmentation.
Site Preparation
Damp-proofing, contaminated land, and resistance to ground moisture.
Sound
Sound insulation between dwellings and between rooms (for conversions).
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation to all rooms, including mechanical ventilation where required.
Energy
Thermal insulation, energy-efficient windows, and heat loss calculations.
Access
Accessible entrances, door widths, and ground floor WC accessibility.
Electrical
Electrical safety, certification for new circuits, and outdoor electrical work.
The Building Control Process
From application to Completion Certificate, here's what to expect.
Review Your Options
We explain the differences between Local Authority and Private Approved Inspectors for your specific project.
Submit Application
Building Control application submitted with your Building Regulations drawings, either to council or private inspector.
Plan Review
Your plans are checked for compliance with Building Regulations Part A-P covering structure, fire, drainage, and more.
Inspections & Sign-Off
Site inspections during construction, culminating in a Completion Certificate when work meets regulations.
What Your Building Regulations Drawing Pack Looks Like
Every Hampshire Build building regulations drawings Hampshire package includes a fully detailed technical drawing set, prepared by our in-house BIM co-ordinator and submitted directly to building control on your behalf. Below is an example of a complete drawing pack — 22 sheets covering floor plans, structural calculations, drainage, fire escape strategy and electrical layout. This is the level of detail your builder and building inspector receive.
Our building control drawings loft conversion and extension packs are prepared to the same professional standard, giving building inspectors everything they need for swift approval.
The pack includes: floor plans at all levels (ground, first, loft), proposed roof plan, all four elevations, general construction notes, structural foundation and beam plans, floor joist layouts, roof structural plan, wall and construction detail sections, drainage layout, fire escape strategy, and electrical layout — all drawn to 1:100 scale at A3. Every sheet carries the Hampshire Build logo and unique project QR code.
Our technical drawings for building regulations approval are produced using industry-standard BIM software and comply fully with current Part A, B, C, E, F, L, M and P requirements.