New Building Control partnership

The Building Control service for Harborough District Council has joined together with Blaby to become the Blaby District Council Building Control Partnership (BCP).   The partnership became fully operationally from April this year.  

Blaby District Council had previously been supporting Harborough District Council’s Building Control service since January 2017, initially sharing staff for six months. Due to the success of the initial period this support was extended until the partnership formed.

Working in partnership allows us to provide an even better service for our customers as well as saving money for both councils. 

Set in a competitive industry, local authorities across the country have seen a shortage of Building Control Surveyors. Combining these two services together will enable career progression and the opportunity for staff to pool resources across a larger team.

Blaby District Council’s Building Control service works with some of the biggest housebuilders locally, and inspects buildings from across the midlands.

Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Health Improvement, Leisure & Regulatory Services, said: “We have built an incredible service here at Blaby and we are proud that after a successful trial, we will now be leading Harborough services into the future with this partnership.

“Building Control is unique as a statutory service for councils which is also exposed to full market competition. Forming a partnership means we can assist our neighbouring authorities in delivering a cost neutral service.”

Councillor Jonathan Bateman, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulation at Harborough District Council said: “We are looking forward to a very positive working relationship with Blaby District Council and to ensuring a first class Building Control Service is in place for our customers. 

“The service operates in a competitive market place and the partnership will deliver greater scope for service growth. This is a very exciting opportunity for the District and we are looking forward to a successful future for Building Control”.

For more information on the service or to book a site inspection or building regulation application, visit www.harborough.gov.uk/building-control