Building control
Building Control Changes from 1 July 2026 - From 1 July 2026, changes to building legislation in Wales will introduce a new building safety regime affecting how building work is designed, approved and carried out.
Building regulations exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around all types of buildings, including domestic, commercial, public and industrial.
They also provide for energy conservation, security, and access to buildings.
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New Building Safety Requirements in Wales
From 1 July 2026, changes to building legislation in Wales will introduce a new building safety regime affecting how building work is designed, approved and carried out.
These changes form part of the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated Welsh Regulations.
For Bridgend, these changes will primarily affect standard building work carried out by homeowners, builders and developers.
1. New responsibilities for those conducting building work
All building projects will be subject to a new duty holder system.
This means:
- Clients, designers and contractors have clear legal responsibilities
- They must ensure work complies with Building Regulations throughout the project
- Responsibility no longer sits only with Building Control at the end of a project
- This is a significant change in how compliance is managed.
2. Greater emphasis on planning and compliance from the start
Applicants will need to:
- Ensure designs are complete and compliant before work begins
- Provide accurate information to Building Control
- Maintain good records of decisions and changes
Poorly prepared or incomplete submissions may lead to delays or refusal.
3. Stronger enforcement powers for local authorities
From July 2026, Bridgend County Borough Council will have additional powers to:
- Issue compliance notices requiring issues to be corrected
- Issue stop notices to halt unsafe or non-compliant work
- Take enforcement action over a longer period (up to 10 years in some cases)
These powers are designed to improve standards and protect public safety.
4. Time limits on approvals
- Building Control approvals may expire if work does not start within 3 years
You may need to reapply if your project is delayed.
For most projects in Bridgend (e.g. home extensions, loft conversions, internal alterations):
Application routes remain broadly the same
- Full Plans applications
- Building Notices (where appropriate)
You should now:
- Ensure designs fully meet Building Regulations before starting work
- Appoint competent designers and builders
- Clearly understand who is responsible for compliance
- Keep records of changes during construction
These changes apply to most common building work, including:
- House extensions and alterations
- Garage conversions
- Loft conversions
- Structural alterations (e.g. removing walls)
- Installation of drainage, heating or electrical systems
Even small projects must comply with the new responsibility framework.
Under the new regime:
- You may be required to correct or remove non-compliant work
- Work may be stopped immediately if there is a safety concern
- Enforcement action can be taken years after completion
Projects submitted before 1 July 2026 may be subject to transitional arrangements, depending on:
- When the application was made
- Whether work has started
If you already have approval, please contact Building Control for advice.
If you are planning building work:
- Speak to Building Control early
- Make sure your plans are accurate and complete
- Use qualified and competent professionals
- Allow sufficient time for approvals
For advice on how these changes affect your project:
Email: buildingcontrol@bridgend.gov.uk
Or contact the Registered Building Inspector for your area.
General information
Extensions - A homeowner’s guide to expanding your living space
Householders' guide to fire sprinklers
Sewers and drains, public or private
Building over or near to sewers
Part R (Physical Infrastructure for high-speed electronic communications networks)
If you are having construction work done you may have other duties or need to notify the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Health and Safety Executive’s website has more details.
Contact
Address: Building Control, Civic Offices, Angel Street, Bridgend, CF31 4WB
Telephone:
01656 643408
Email Address: buildingcontrol@bridgend.gov.uk