How we can help:

Local Knowledge: Our staff has extensive knowledge and experience of local conditions and problems.

Advice: We offer advice and assistance from design to completion.

One Stop Shop: We provide close links with Planning, other Council Departments, Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water and Fire Safety Officers.

Same Day Service: We endeavour to carry out site inspections on the same day if the request is made before 10am.

After Hours Efficiency: Too busy to stop work and phone? You can access this web-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and download any important documents or application forms. You can also contact us through email at any time of the day.

Impartiality: We are completely impartial. We aim to give a prompt, efficient and courteous service.

Peace of Mind: On satisfactory completion of the works a Completion Certificate is always provided.

In the process of development, whether it is the erection of a new building, extending or altering an existing building, or changing the way a building is used, you will normally need to seek Building Regulation Approval and possibly Planning Permission.

Planning Permission establishes that the building or proposed use of land is acceptable in principal. You can find more information on Planning Permission from the planning section of our site

Building Control Surveyors manage the Building Regulations. Our highly qualified and experienced teams of Building Control Surveyors examine and comment on plans for development and inspect work that is in progress. Their wide knowledge of materials and building methods is available to you at all stages of the building process.

Before you carry out building work, you or your agent (i.e. Architect, Builder or Surveyor) must advise the Building Control Section by submitting FULL PLANS for approval or through the BUILDING NOTICE procedure.

Can I submit the application myself?