Building control systems exist to ensure buildings are properly designed and constructed, safeguarding the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of everyone. Please check you have submitted a valid building control application before commencing work on site. If you are not sure, please contact us.

Notifications

For all types of work, you must provide us with an official notification.

Notice 1: Notice of Starting Work: To begin your project, you must submit a Notice of Starting Work at least two working days before work begins on site. This is an essential part of the process under Regulation 16(3) of the Building Regulations 2010. Note: this does not replace the formal Notice of Commencement – you must still submit a separate Notice of Commencement to confirm the legal commencement date, and both notices are required to keep your application valid and compliant.

Notice 2: Notice of Commencement: The Notice of Commencement is a statutory requirement under Regulation 16(3) of the Building Regulations 2010 and must be submitted within five days of work starting; it formally confirms the actual commencement date, triggers statutory timeframes, and ensures the project is legally recognised as commenced, with failure to submit affecting enforcement, deadlines, and approval validity. “Commencement,” as defined in Regulation 46A, occurs when: new builds/extensions have completed their foundations and ground‑floor structure; complex buildings have completed their foundations and lowest‑floor structure; or other works such as garage conversions, internal structural alterations, reconfigurations, and fit‑outs have reached at least 15% of the total work.

You can do this by completing an online form (signup not required) or by email (building.control@milton-keynes.gov.uk).

Site inspections

We carry out site inspections Monday to Friday, between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM (excluding public holidays). Please submit your request by 4:00 PM at least one working day in advance during our business hours. Late requests may not be accepted.

For all Reversion and Regularisation applications, please email us. 

You can book your building control site inspection:

• Online (signup not required)
• LABC Site Inspection app – Download and installation required

Inspection stages

For new constructions (such as extensions), you must inform us when you reach the following stages so we can inspect work before it is covered up

• Start date
• Excavation for foundations
• Ground floor oversite
• Damp proof course
• Drains laid, before backfilling
• Drains backfilled and on test
• Insulation

There may be additional stages of work that require inspection, especially for different types of projects such as flooring, roofing, and steel works. The Building Inspector will be happy to discuss these with you at the start of the project.

Completion inspection

For all types of work, you must email us your Completion Notice Form before final inspection booking) within five days of completing your work (or before occupation) for a final inspection. Following a satisfactory inspection, a Completion Certificate will be issued.

Completion Certificates are valuable documentary evidence showing that the work satisfied Building Regulations at the time of inspection. A Completion Certificate may be required when selling a property or raising finance, so keep it safe.