Building Control

If you are considering alterations, extensions or modifications to your home, you must consider whether the project will need Building Regulation approval and/or Planning Permission. These are two separate applications and must be applied for individually.

When new building, extensions or alterations are being undertaken the work will, in most cases, have to satisfy national Building Regulations. This is known as 'Building Control'.

These regulations are set by the Government. They are standards for the design and construction of buildings, primarily to ensure the safety and health for people in or around those buildings. They also ensure that adequate access and facilities are provided for people with disabilities and include requirements for energy conservation.

In this section you will find information and advice on:

Do I need to make a Building Regulation application?
Applying for Building Regulations consent
Building Control inspections
Fees for Building Regulations consent
Demolition work
Dangerous structures
Customer Charter
West Oxfordshire District Council and Cotswold District Council - Home & Build website
West Oxfordshire District Council and Cotswold District Council joint Prospectus

A range of information leaflets can be found on our 'publications' webpage.

The is also a useful guide prepared in partnership by West Oxfordshire District Council and Cotswold District Council, which explains Building Control requirements for projects to extend your home.

If you are having construction or refurbishment work done, you may need to notify the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and you may have other duties as well. To find out more, visit the Health & Safety Executive website.

Further information
For further information please email our Building Control team or call 01993 861430. Alternatively write to:
Building Control
West Oxfordshire District Council
Elmfield
New Yatt Road
Witney OX28 1PB