Cancellation (Reversion) applications

In 2019 and shortly after, we were made aware that several Approved Inspectors (now known as Registered Building Control Approvers) could not get the insurance necessary to enable them to continue to operate as an Approved Inspector.

We had no forewarning of the problems surrounding the Approved Inspectors.

The Approved Inspectors at that time were Aedis, GSA and Head Projects.

Since then others have gone out of business for various reasons, including:

• Capital and Counties
• BCA (Building Control Approval Ltd)
• Scotts AI
• Active Building Control
• Campagna

If a private building control body has ceased to exist in 2024

Several Approved Inspectors (now known as Registered Building Control Approvers) have ceased trading but have failed to 'sign off' their clients' building works as complete.

The government has created some guidance and FAQs to help residents in this situation. Although it specifically mentions 'PWC Building Control Ltd', the general principles are the same for other companies that have ceased trading recently.

Should you have further queries specific to your property in Haringey, please call us.

Before 6 April 2024

The relevant legislation (which is called the 'Building (Registered Building Control Approvers etc.) (England) Regulations 2024 – Building Act 1984') states that if a Registered Building Control Approver is unable to carry out their functions, either they or the person carrying out the works must cancel the Initial Notice lodged with a local authority. This usually means the owner as they are responsible for works on their property.

If work has already started, the work must, by law, be passed back to the local authority (in this case Haringey Building Control) to ensure compliance with the Building Regulations.

If work has not started then the Initial Notice must still be cancelled by the person carrying out the works, but the owner can choose to appoint Haringey Building Control or a new Registered Building Control Approver, should they wish, and a new Building Regulations application should be submitted prior to works commencing on site.

Since 6 April 2024

Some projects which are underway may be transferred to another approver.

Please discuss this with your Registered Building Control Approver and/or contact us first, as it is quite a detailed process. See Regulations 24 and 25 of the Registered Approvers Regulations regarding transfer certificates.