About this CPD Resource
How to work effectively with local authority building control bodies, understanding the building control process, plan checking, site inspections and completion certification.
Local authority building control (LABC) is the public sector building control option available to all construction projects in England. Understanding how to work effectively with building control bodies — from preparing a clear application through to managing plan checking, agreeing inspection stages and achieving sign-off — can save significant time and cost on projects.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the building control approval process in England
- Prepare effective building regulations applications and drawings
- Work constructively with building control officers on site
- Understand completion certificates and building regulations compliance
Who Is This Suitable For?
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Why This CPD Matters
The regulatory framework governing construction in the UK has undergone more change in recent years than at any time since the introduction of the current Building Regulations regime. The Building Safety Act 2022 — the most significant piece of construction legislation in a generation — has introduced new roles, new duties and new accountability mechanisms that affect everyone in the construction supply chain. Alongside this, updates to the Approved Documents covering energy efficiency (Part L), ventilation (Part F), overheating (Part O) and fire safety (Part B) have changed the technical standards that new buildings must meet.
Keeping pace with regulatory change is a professional obligation for construction practitioners. Advising clients or designing buildings based on outdated regulatory knowledge can result in buildings that fail to achieve compliance, costly remediation work and, in serious cases, professional liability. This CPD from Local Authority Building Control provides the regulatory knowledge that construction professionals need to practise confidently in the current environment.
Key Topics and Industry Context
The regulatory landscape for UK construction covers a wide range of legal and technical requirements. Building Regulations set the minimum technical standards for the design and construction of buildings in England (with separate but similar regimes in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). Planning legislation and policy — including the National Planning Policy Framework, local planning policies and permitted development rights — governs what can be built and where. The Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced specific requirements for higher-risk buildings including a new regulatory gateway process, a safety case regime and requirements for the maintenance of a golden thread of information throughout the building's lifecycle.
This resource from Local Authority Building Control addresses regulatory knowledge that is directly applicable to construction practice. Construction professionals who maintain current regulatory knowledge are better placed to advise clients accurately, design compliant buildings and manage the regulatory process efficiently.
How This Fits Your CPD Requirements
Regulatory knowledge is a core competency requirement for most construction professional bodies. RIBA's mandatory core curriculum includes legal, regulatory and statutory compliance as a required topic area. RICS requires members to maintain competency in relevant legislation and regulation. CIOB includes understanding of building regulations and construction law in its competency framework. Architectural technologists (CIAT) are required to demonstrate competency in legislation and regulation as one of their 10 core competency areas. Structured CPD on regulations and law from recognised providers is recognised as valid formal CPD by all major construction professional bodies.