Building Control terms and conditions

This policy sets out the terms and conditions for Building Control services provided by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It ensures compliance with the Building Act 1984, Building Safety Act 2022, and the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Code of Conduct.

All applicants and staff must adhere to these standards to maintain safety, integrity, and professionalism. The client also has a duty to comply with these terms and conditions as set out below. By submitting your application, you agree to these terms and conditions.

1. Local authority responsibilities

1.1 The local authority will carry out its statutory duties with reasonable skill, care, and diligence in accordance with relevant legislation and policies. No additional obligation, warranty, or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, shall be assumed regarding the suitability or fitness of the service for any specific purpose.

2. Limitations of liability

2.1 The local authority is not responsible or liable for:

• Any failure by the client, applicant, agent, or project team to meet their obligations
• Delays arising from such failures
• The quality, supervision, or management of the works

3. General obligations

3.1 Inspector allocation: an appropriately registered Building Inspector, or one supervised by a higher-class Inspector, will be assigned to the application.

3.2 Information provision: the local authority will provide relevant details in accordance with the HSE Code of Conduct once an application is submitted.

3.3 Determination timeframes: applications will be determined within statutory time limits. Where an extension is required, relevant parties will be consulted.

3.4 Inspections: Building Control inspections do not replace the client’s responsibility to supervise works or ensure compliance.

3.5 Exposure of work: the local authority may require elements of the work to be exposed to assess compliance. Relevant parties must provide reasonable notice before covering up any work.

3.6 The client accepts that a building notice carries greater risk than a Building Control approval with full plans application.

4. Application process

4.1 Applications including building notices must include all required plans, structural calculations and fire strategy where required.

4.2 Validation will occur upon receipt of complete documentation and payment of applicable fees.

4.3 An inspection schedule is shown on our website to ensure relevant inspections take place. The Building Inspector may request further inspections upon the commencement inspection.

4.4 If an application fee is not paid, the application will be withdrawn, and enforcement action may be taken.

5. Fees and charges

5.1 Application fees cover plan assessment and site inspections.

5.2 The local authority may charge additional fees in accordance with the Building (Local Authority Charges) Regulations 2010 (as amended). For example, checking additional amendments to approved plans or extra site inspections beyond the agreed schedule.

5.3 Complex or high-risk projects requiring extended oversight may also incur additional fees.

5.4 Payment terms: Fees must be paid in full before work commences. Instalment options may be available for projects exceeding a specified threshold.

5.5 Late payments: Interest may be charged on overdue accounts.

5.6 Applicants/clients responsible must review the fees and regulations document provided by Building Control prior to submission. This document outlines all applicable charges and conditions.

5.7 Additional fees will be applied for copies of completion certificates, excessive communication, relevant searches, multiple plan checks and schedule. This list is not conclusive.

5.8 Specialist review: fees assume compliance with Approved Document guidance. Where specialist review is required (e.g., fire engineering), associated costs must be paid by the client, applicant, or agent.

6. Refund policy

6.1 This policy outlines the circumstances under which refunds may be issued for Building Control services.

6.2 Refunds will only be considered where an application is withdrawn before any inspection or plan assessment has commenced.

6.3 No refunds will be issued once statutory notifications or inspections have been carried out.

6.4 Administrative and processing fees are non-refundable.

6.5 Any costs incurred for work already undertaken will be deducted from the refund amount.

6.6 Where an application has been revoked and resubmitted a new application plan check fee and where applicable increased inspection fees will be required.

6.7 All refund requests must be submitted in writing within 30 days of service completion or withdrawal of application.

6.8 Requests should include the application reference number and reason for refund.

6.9 Refunds will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Building Control Manager.

6.10 Approved refunds will be processed within 28 days of confirmation.

6.11 Refunds will be issued to the original payer only.

6.12 This policy does not affect statutory rights under the Building Act 1984.

7. Client responsibilities under the Building Act

7.1 The primary responsibility for compliance with Building Regulations rests with the client (owner or developer).

7.2 The duty to secure compliance with Building Regulations rests with the person carrying out the work, as defined under the Building Act 1984.

7.3 Clients must ensure that all building work complies with the Building Regulations and any relevant statutory requirements.

7.4 Clients must appoint competent principal designer and principal contractors.

7.5 Clients must provide accurate and complete information to the Building Control authority.

7.6 Clients must serve statutory notices and notify Building Control of commencement of work.

7.7 Clients must notify Building Control when work has progressed beyond 15% of completion.

7.8 Clients must notify the local authority upon completion and submit a completion certificate request.

7.9 Clients must notify Building Control of any material changes to the works.

7.10 Building Control inspections do not discharge the person’s duty under the Building Act to ensure compliance.

7.11 Building Control inspections do not replace the client’s duty to supervise works or guarantee compliance.

7.12 The building site should provide safe access to the relevant inspection. Where a site is deemed unsafe a extra inspection fee will be required for re-inspection.

8. Compliance and conduct

All Building inspectors must comply with the BSR and HSE Codes of Conduct, which include: 

• 8.1 Acting with honesty, integrity, and impartiality.
• 8.2 Maintaining professional competence and accountability.
• 8.3 Avoiding conflicts of interest and ensuring transparency.

8.4 Insurance requirements: Building Control bodies and contractors must maintain adequate Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) and Public Liability Insurance as required by the HSE Code of Conduct. You can request this information at any point once the application has been submitted and accepted.

8.5 Insurance must cover all statutory duties and liabilities under the Building Act and Building Safety Act.

8.6 Evidence of insurance must be provided upon request and kept valid throughout the duration of services.

8.7 Breaches of the Code or failure to maintain insurance may result in suspension or deregistration.

8.8 Only a qualified registered Building Control Inspector with the mandatory classification will be allocated to your application.

9. Complaints and whistleblowing

9.1 Complaints should be submitted through the official complaints procedure.

9.2 Whistleblowing is protected under organisational policy and will be handled confidentially.

9.3 Investigations will be impartial and aligned with statutory requirements.

10. Monitoring and review

10.1 This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with legislation and best practice.

10.2 Updates will be communicated to all stakeholders promptly.