BUILDING CONTROL SERVICE
Building Control is administered through the Environmental Services Department. Officers in this section are responsible for thousands of building control applications and building inspections every year, and also deal with street naming, postal numbering, property certificates and dangerous structures.
Building Control is responsible for ensuring that Building Regulations (a set of construction standards laid down by Parliament) are enforced. The standards include requirements on health, structural stability, fire safety, energy conservation and accessibility. There is a common confusion among the public between Building Control and Planning. Planning is the responsibility of Planning Service, part of the Department of the Environment, and deals with applications for planning permission. Planning Service is concerned with, among other issues, the siting of the building, its visual impact on the surrounding area and general aesthetics. Building Control is concerned with the safety and health of people in and around the building.
Property Certificates
Processing of Property Certificate enquiries by solicitors acting on behalf of purchasers or vendors of property and land.
Street Naming and Postal Numbering
Liaising with developers with regard to the naming of new housing developments.
Allocation of postal addresses and house numbers for properties.
Dangerous Structures
Inspection of dangerous structures that are adjoining or abutting any public street or public footpath and taking appropriate action to ensure that these are made safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Building Control.
For further information contact the Building Control section, Council Offices, 2 Church Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AP, Tel: 028 9182 4033, Fax: 028 9182 4073, E: building.control@ards-council.gov.uk
Downloads:
Building Control - What We Do
Building Control - Making An Application
Building Control - Building Notice Procedure
Building Control - Avoiding Cowboy Builders
Building Control - Fire Detection in the Home
Useful Links:
Building Control Northern Ireland: www.buildingcontrol-ni.com
DOE Planning Service: Tel: 028 4461 8000, www.doeni.gov.uk
Lands and Property Services: www.lpsni.gov.uk