Building Control

Licensing are now responsible for the licensing of skips, scaffolding and hoardings. There is more information and application forms available on the licensing section of this website.

The Building (Local Authority) Charges Regulations 2010.

On 1 October 2011 the ownership and maintenance of many private sewers and drains transferred to water and sewerage companies (Northumbrian Water in this region). In practice, this means that the property owner will remain responsible for drains within the curtilage of and serving their property only; ownership of virtually all other pipes has transferred to Northumbrian Water.

Details about the transfer can be found at the Northumbrian Water website [external link] or by phoning 0191 4196521.

The Council's principal role is to make Darlington a place where people want to live, work and are able to enjoy a high quality of life. Darlington Building Control are committed to this and ensure that through our help a safe and healthy built environment will be achieved and maintained. 

Building Control are responsible for many functions of which the principle one is ensuring the health and safety of people in and around buildings by the implementation of The Building Act 1984, and allied legislation.

  • Building Regulations 2010
  • Safety at Sports Grounds
  • Skips (see the licensing section)
  • Public Entertainment
  • Scaffolds/Hoardings (see the licensing section)
  • Disability Discrimination Act
  • Demolition's
  • Work Place Regulations
  • Dangerous Structures
  • The Building Act 1984

In addition, Building Control promotes energy efficiency in buildings and contributes to meeting the needs of disabled people  mainly through legislative powers but also through the close working relationship that has been built up with local disability action groups.

Building Control Services Include

  • Fast turnaround of Building Regulation Applications
  • Pre-Application discussions and inspection of plans
  • Same day inspection, mobile communications
  • Years of Building Control knowledge within one office
  • Knowledge of ground conditions throughout the Borough
  • Valuable information regarding existing structures
  • Advice concerning access and facilities for disabled people

What Actually Requires Building Regulation Approval

  • New Buildings
  • Extensions
  • Drainage work (including placement of fittings)
  • Removal of internal walls - Loadbearing or non-loadbearing
  • Erection of walls to form additional rooms
  • Replacement of structural elements
  • Replacement or removal of doors or windows

Builders and developers are required by law to obtain building control approval for most building work.  This is an independent check that Building Control carry out to ensure the Building Regulations have been complied with.