About building control
The Building Safety Levy (BSL) will come into effect on 1 October 2026. It is a tax on new dwellings and new bedspaces in purpose‑built student accommodation (PBSA).
Developers must pay the levy on certain building control applications or notices before completion or occupation of the building. The Council will collect the levy.
The Building Safety Levy (England) Regulations 2025 sets out how the levy will operate.
Changes to how some planning applications are decided from 31 October 2026The Government has introduced new national rules about who decides planning applications.
These rules are formally called the national scheme of delegation. From 31 October 2026, they will decide which applications must be decided by planning officers and which may go to Planning Committee.
The rules will apply to cases decided from that date. We have updated Lewisham’s Constitution to reflect the changes.[
We can provide top-quality service to the public, offering free advice on the listed services.
- building regulations – we offer guidance on the Building Regulations 2010 and other statutory instruments
- pre-application advice
- advice throughout your building project for submitted applications
The extent of this advice may be limited if a formal application is not submitted. We are unable to provide design advice, so we recommend consulting a competent professional for any detailed design matters, for example, an architect or structural engineer.
Contact
Building Control
Monday to Friday, 9-11am and 3-5pm