Building control

Planning a small extension, a brand-new build, or simply changing how you use your space? Before taking the first step, get in touch with us. We’ll help ensure everything is on the right track from the start.

Find the answers to commonly asked building control questions and find out if you need building control services.

It is your responsibility to ensure we inspect your building project at the relevant key stages.

Use this service to search for building control applications.

If you intend to build a new property or make changes to an existing property, you may need to apply for building control approval. This is completely separate to planning approval/permission.

If you plan to work on an existing property, you might need to submit a building notice.

You can apply for full plans approval for all building work, except for work related to higher-risk buildings.

If you have completed building work without our approval, you must apply for retrospective building control approval through a process called regularisation.

The Building control fees chart details the fees payable to us when you submit full plans or building notice applications.

If you are planning to demolish a building or part of a building in the borough of Lewisham, you must submit a demolition notice to us, giving at least six weeks' notice prior to the demolition taking place.

The Building Control team is responsible for making sure that buildings and structures in the borough do not present a danger to people in or near them.

The government intends to introduce the Building Safety Levy on 1 October 2026.