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🎟 Get 2 Free Tickets HereBuilding 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 Our Building Regulation Drawings Cover
Our drawings cover structural and architectural elements. Here is exactly what is included in every package.
Architectural Drawings
Floor plans at all levels, all four elevations, proposed roof plan and cross-sections — drawn to 1:100 scale on A3 sheets, ready for your building inspector.
Structural Design
Foundation specification, steel beam and padstone schedules, floor joist layouts and roof structure — all coordinated with your certified structural engineer calculations.
Construction Details
Wall build-up sections, floor construction and roof construction details showing materials and dimensions as required for Building Notice submission.
Thermal Compliance (Part L)
U-value targets for walls, roof and floor are noted on drawings to demonstrate compliance with current energy performance requirements.
Not Included in Our Drawings
The following are outside our scope and are typically coordinated separately by your builder or specialist subcontractors:
- — Fire strategy or fire engineer's report (Part B)
- — Sound insulation design or testing (Part E)
- — Mechanical ventilation or HVAC design (Part F)
- — Accessibility or Part M compliance report
- — Electrical design or Part P certification
- — Detailed drainage or civil engineering
- — Joinery schedules, kitchen or bathroom specifications
- — Finishes, materials schedules or interior specifications
Full scope is set out in our Terms & Conditions, clause 6.4.
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
Building Control checks your drawings for compliance. Our drawings cover structural and architectural elements — Building Control may also seek input from your builder on other aspects.
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, and wall and construction detail sections — 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 cover structural and architectural elements. See our Terms & Conditions clause 6.4 for the full scope of our drawings package.