Role of an Approved Inspector BRCS (Building Control) Limited is a company approved by Government to act as a Building Control Body. A designer, contractor, developer or client intending to construct a new building, extend, alter or change the use of an existing building is likely to require the benefit of Building Regulation approval - BRCS can offer this service as a true private sector alternative to local authority building control.

In England and Wales we can trace back the history of building control to London in 1189. Henry Fitz Ailwyn was appointed mayor and his London Assize was virtually the first London Building Act - the first Building Regulations. Unfortunately, no powers existed to enforce the requirements made or impose penalties. In the aftermath of the Great Fire of London, City Viewers were appointed to enforce the Rebuilding Act of 1667. These can be regarded as the first building control surveyors, who also operated in the private sector.

The utilization of private sector Approved Inspectors has a rich history and as we move into the new millennium BRCS is able to operate under The Building (Approved Inspectors, etc.) Regulations - to provide an excellence in service on the full range of issues relating to building control to ensure the highest standards are achieved to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of people in and about buildings.

For more information, see the book 'Understanding the building regulations' by Simon Polley (Managing Director of BRCS), published by Spon Press.