Housing minister Caroline Flint has proposed a shake-up to the building control system in order to clamp down on illegal construction.

The Future of Building Control consultation recommends a more efficient, risk-based inspection process for local authorities that focuses on the most dangerous failings.

Good builders who comply will be relieved of the burden of unnecessary inspections, while cowboy builders will face tougher scrutiny.

“This should reduce the cost and burden of the process on both the industry and local authorities,” said Flint.

The consultation proposes a more efficient building control system delivering sustainable buildings, including:

  • removing statutory notification stages;
  • introducing a periodic review of the Building Regulations every three years;
  • restricting the use of building notices;
  • increasing powers for local authorities to tackle illegal or botched construction;
  • the potential use of fixed-penalty notices and stop notices;
  • improving the link between planning and building control through a seamless planning and building control service and more e-enabled internet services.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor