Planning and Transportation
Building Control
Development House
Lombard Street
West Bromwich
B70 8RU

Tel: 0121 569 4054/4055
Fax: 0121 569 4140
Email: building_consultancy@sandwell.gov.uk
Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 5.30pm. Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm

Welcome to Building Consultancy

Thank you for visiting these pages. We are determined to provide you with the very best in Building Control and Associated services. Whether you are a large developer undertaking a multi-million pound project or a homeowner carrying out alterations to your home, we are totally committed to assist you in any way we can.

The level of service you will receive from the Local Authority will not be found in any competative private Building Control Service. We have the advantage of local knowledge backed with a comprehensive background of historical records which will help you avoid hidden problems on your project. We encourage pre-application discussions based on prevention rather than cure so getting it right first time saves your time, reputation and money in the long term.

By selecting one of the items from the list below or on the left hand navigation bar, you can find out further information:-

• Building Control
• Dangerous Buildings and Structure
• Demolition
• Safety at Sports Grounds
• Scaffold and Hoarding

What's new in Building Consultancy?

New contract specifically for homeowners from Joint Contracts Tribunal

You are strongly advised to use a Building Contract when undertaking any building work. Unfortunately, even with the careful choice of contractor things can go wrong. A contract will help identify exactly what is expected from both parties and the terms and conditions which will apply.

The Joint Contracts Tribunal Limited have written a suitable contract for use by a homeowner or occupier who has not appointed a consultant to oversee the work. It is written in plain english, easy to understand and without the use of any legal or technical jargon.

We have a specimen contract for you to view but if you wish for a full copy, this contract is available from bookshops; please visit  www.jctcontracts.com for a list of stockists.

Delay to the coming into force of changes to Part G of the Building Regualtions

You may be aware that DCLG laid regualtions on 13May to make changes to Part G of the Building Regulations (Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency).  These changes were due to come into force on 1 October.

However, they were required under the Technical Standards Directive (98/34/EC) to notify the European Commission of the guidance contained in the accompanying draft Approved Document G.  (The Directive is primarily about preventing barriers to trade).

On 3 September the department received a "detailed opinion" from the Commission with a number of comments on the draft Approved Document.  This creates a 3 month standstill which prohibits us from introducing the Approved Document before 2 December 2009.  The substance of these representations must remain confidential however, DCLG are not allowed to divulge the content of the detailed opinion.

DCLG has therefore had to amend the regulations laid on 13 May so as to delay their coming into force until 6 April 2010 (the next common commencement date).

DCLG are currently considering the comments received from Europe and working to resolve them as soon as possible.  The aim is to resolve the issues raised and seek to issue a final Approved Document as far in advance of the coming into force of the changes in April next year.

LABC New Home Warranty

The LABC New Home Warranty is a quality service offering specific competitive products for speculative residential housing, social housing and self build.

The LABC New Home Warranty scheme has been created in partnership between LABC, the representative body for Local Authority Building Control, and MD Insurance Services Limited (MDIS) the company that administers the scheme which is regulated by the Financial Services Authroty (FSA).

1. LABC New Home Warranty

This caters for speculative developers and builders covering conversions, new build and mixed use developments. The product recognises and rewards qualty projects with competitive premiums and market-leading terms. Service and support is fact and seamless because of MDIS's experienced, dedicated customer team.

2. LABC Socal Housing Warranty

A competitive tailored solution covering shared-ownership, rented or key worker accommodation projects. Quality is rewarded with the same advantages given to speculative developers. Cover can be provided for either a 10 or 12 year period.

3. LABC Self Build Warranty

Designed specifically for individuals building their own homes - both new build and conversions - to provide peace of mind. Quality is rewarded through competitive premiums an excellent service based on MDIS's extensive experience of self build projects.

How to get a quotation

Either:

Telephone 0845 054 0505,
E-mail enquiries@labcnewhomewarranty.co.uk or
Download an application form from www.labcnewhomewarranty.co.uk

LABC Latent Gold Commercial Building Defects Guarantee:

LABC Latent Gold is a structural defects insurance for commercial buildings up to £15 million in value and by arrangement for buildings valued over £15 million. It is delivered by LABC via local authority building control departments in partnership with Oval Insurance Broking, with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (Allianz) as underwriters.

LABC Latent Gold provides a low cost way to avoid the high risks and legal complexities associated with collateral warranties.

Most commercial properties are covered--offices, hotels, restaurants, factories, warehouses, surgeries, schools, shops, sports stadiums and many more.

Developers, owners, tenants and other users/occupiers are all insured.

The combined cost of LABC Building Control and LABC Latent Gold will almost always be less than is obtainable from any other provider.

To find out more or obtain a quotation, please contact the LABC Latent Gold Team at:

LABC Latent Gold Enquiries
Oval Insurance Broking Limited
Tel: 0845 075 3530
Email: enquiries@labclatentgold.co.uk
Web: www.labclatentgold.co.uk

The Smoke-Free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations

"Smoking Shelters" - The Building Regulations Perspective