Building Control: Then, now, and what lies ahead

Insight from Scott Smith, Building Control Manager

Building control has always evolved in response to risk, innovation, and changing social expectations. Key milestones, such as the Great Fire of London in 1666, which led to the Rebuilding of London Act and the first formal construction standards, exemplify how regulation has historically shaped safety and quality.

When Scott Smith began his career in building control in 1988, he entered a profession already shaped by centuries of regulatory development – but on the brink of profound modern change. Over more than three decades, Scott has witnessed shifts in regulation, responsibility, and professional culture that mirror the wider evolution of building control itself.

“At the beginning of my career, change came slowly,” Scott recalls. “You’d see regulations evolve, but nothing like the pace and scale of reform we’ve experienced in the last decade.”

Here, Scott reflects on where building control has come from, where it stands today, and how regulation’s focus on safety and accountability continues to build public trust and shape its future.

Then: Foundations and early modern change

By the late 20th century, building regulations were well established as national minimum standards for safety, health, and structural integrity. Yet, as Scott recalls, change in the early years of his career tended to arrive gradually, through incremental updates to technical requirements rather than sweeping reform.

One of the most significant turning points was not technical but structural. In the mid-1990s, building control opened fully to the private sector, fundamentally reshaping the industry. For the first time, clients had a choice beyond local authorities. This broadened opportunity attracted new professionals into the field and modernised service delivery across the sector.

Alongside this structural shift, technical standards continued to evolve. The introduction of Approved Document M in 1992 marked a decisive advance in accessibility and inclusive design, improving standards across housing and public buildings. Thermal performance also developed steadily, with tightening U-values driving better insulation and improved energy efficiency, reflecting growing environmental awareness and rising performance expectations.

“These were important years for the profession,” Scott adds. “You could see accessibility and energy efficiency becoming central design considerations rather than afterthoughts.”

These changes followed a longer regulatory tradition. Post-war reconstruction had already driven the unification of building regulations in 1965, while the Building Act 1984 introduced a performance-based framework that focused on functional requirements rather than purely prescriptive rules. By the time Scott entered the profession, building control had become a nationally consistent, technically demanding system – but one still evolving in response to new materials, construction methods, and social priorities.

Now: Accountability and a generational shift

For many years, progress remained steady and predictable – until the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017.

Grenfell did not simply tighten regulations; it transformed the culture of responsibility across the industry. The subsequent review, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, exposed weaknesses in oversight, accountability, and competence and called for fundamental reform of the regulatory system.

“The industry changed overnight,” Scott reflects. “Grenfell wasn’t just about new rules – it fundamentally changed how we think about responsibility and accountability.”

The Building Safety Act 2022 represents the most comprehensive reform of building regulation in a generation. It introduced a new framework focused on higher-risk buildings, requiring safety management throughout the entire lifecycle – from design and construction through occupation and ongoing management. Central to this reform was the creation of the Building Safety Regulator, alongside clearer statutory duty holder roles, mandatory reporting of safety issues, and enhanced protections and transparency for residents.

These measures have embedded a new culture of accountability and professional competence, marking a significant ‘generational change’ in the building control sector that underscores the profession’s ongoing commitment to safety.

The role itself has changed significantly. Where building control professionals once contributed more openly to early design discussions, today’s framework requires a much clearer separation between regulator and designer. Safeguarding independence, managing risk, and maintaining formal accountability now sit at the heart of the profession.

At the same time, the benefits of reform are evident. Updated fire safety guidance, including requirements for second staircases and evacuation lifts in high-rise residential buildings, represents meaningful progress in life safety – driven by hard lessons and real-world experience.

Regulation in context: Continuity and change

History shows that building regulations rarely evolve in isolation. Major reforms tend to follow periods of crisis or rapid social and technological change.

The Great Fire of London reshaped construction by driving the adoption of fire-resistant materials. The Public Health Acts of the 19th century introduced sanitation, ventilation, and density controls. Post-war rebuilding brought national consistency, while the Building Act 1984 shifted the system towards performance-based regulation.

Grenfell now stands as another defining moment in this long narrative – one that has reshaped not only technical standards, but the entire governance and accountability framework surrounding building safety.

Looking ahead, future change is likely to come through continued refinement and innovation, with standards evolving to meet climate challenges and technological advances, fostering resilience and confidence in the sector.

“Regulation has always had to strike a balance – encouraging innovation, but never at the expense of safety or public confidence,” Scott adds.

A Profession at the heart of public trust

Building control today is no longer simply about checking drawings and inspecting foundations – it plays a vital role in safeguarding public safety and ensuring accountability at the national level.

The role is more complex, more scrutinised, and more vital than ever. It demands technical expertise, independence of judgement, and a deep understanding of an increasingly sophisticated regulatory framework.

Yet the profession’s purpose remains consistent with its earliest origins: to protect people, improve building quality, and respond to the risks of the time.

If you are looking for an experienced team to support you at every stage of your project – from early design advice through to final certification – get in touch with us.