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What is Building Control?

Building control ensures construction work meets safety, health, and welfare standards set by building regulations. If you're undertaking "building work" under Regulation 3, such as:

  • Erecting or extending a building 
  • Installing or extending services or fittings 
  • Structural, fire safety, or accessibility changes 
  • Cavity wall insulation or underpinning foundations 
  • Work affecting energy performance 

You likely need building control approval. Local authorities can enforce compliance, requiring changes or legal action if necessary. 

Start a building control application

    Homeowners

    Submitting a building control application for your project?

    Our intuitive portal simplifies every step, letting you manage planning and building control applications in one place. Apply quickly, avoid common mistakes, and communicate directly with approving authorities to keep your project on track.

    Start an online building control application

      Professional Applicants

      Submitting on behalf of a client?

      Built for professionals, our portal streamlines building control. Transfer data from planning applications, reduce errors with smart pre-filled fields, and submit directly to your chosen authority. Nominate a third party for payment and manage everything efficiently in one place.

      Submit a building control application

        Frequently asked questions

        What is building control?
        How do I log in to the Building Control Portal?
        How do I agree a building control fee?
        What is 'linking an application'?
        How do I make a payment for my building control application? 
        What is the service charge for submitting a building control application?
        When do I need full plans?
        Why do I need a building notice?
        Why do I need building regularisation?

        How-to video library

        Browse through our video playlists to guide you through using the features of the Building Control Portal - from log in, creating and managing applications, to requesting a fee and making payment.

        Browse video library

          Related blog posts

          Read our updates on the introduction of the Building Control Portal

          1. https://blog.planningportal.co.uk/2024/02/15/a-new-building-control-application-service-is-coming-make-sure-youre-prepared/
          2. https://blog.planningportal.co.uk/2024/03/21/get-ready-for-our-fully-integrated-building-control-portal/
          3. https://blog.planningportal.co.uk/2024/04/17/preview-our-new-building-control-portal/

          Further information

          1. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help
          2. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/services/help/faq/building-control
          3. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications/building-control-applications/building-control
          4. https://www.planningportal.co.uk/applications
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            All-in-One Platform

            Manage both planning and building control applications with a single login for a seamless experience.

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                Smart Data Transfer

                Effortlessly link planning and building control applications, transferring relevant details to save time.

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                    Flexible & Compliant

                    Submit to your preferred building control body with built-in compliance checks to ensure you meet the latest regulations.

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                        Easy Payments

                        Enter pre-agreed fees, request quotes, and choose who pays—all within the portal.

                            The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.

                            The Planning Portal is delivered by PortalPlanQuest Limited which is a joint venture between TerraQuest Solutions Limited and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). All content © 2025 Planning Portal.