Building Control Communications

Construction and planning guides for homeowners

Building Control Communications is the publishing and media arm of Content Media Services Ltd. Its activity consists of producing electronic guides aimed at homeowners, with practical information on home renovations and common construction projects. These guides are produced exclusively for use by local building control and planning services.

Guide content

The company creates easy-to-follow electronic guides covering a wide range of home improvement and construction projects. From small renovations to larger structural work, the resources explain planning permission, building regulations, safety, and energy efficiency in clear, practical terms. Each guide is carefully researched, written, and designed to be informative and accessible.

Distribution and channels

The guides are available online through council websites, email communications, the Government's Planning Portal, and social media channels. This multiplatform distribution aims to ensure homeowners have reliable, step-by-step information to plan and complete their projects.

Collaboration with the Planning Portal

The company has a long-standing relationship with the Planning Portal, the government's online resource on planning legislation and building regulations. This collaboration produces a dedicated Planning Guide that provides homeowners with step-by-step information to navigate the planning process, aligned with national standards and requirements.

Timeline

The company's timeline includes milestones such as the creation of printed application folders in 1995, the development of the first digital guide in 2006 focused on extensions and renovations, the addition of digital guides with self-build partners in 2007, the development of the Green Home and Building Conversions Guide in 2012, and a strategic partnership with the Planning Portal for distribution in 2015. In 2019 the partnership with LABC ended and Building Control Communications was launched, with social media campaigns to expand the audience. In 2024 the Planning Guide was developed in collaboration with the Planning Portal.

Scope of work

The company works on behalf of councils across the country for planning and building control services, and produces official council guidance. Its stated mission is to bridge the gap between local authority expertise and the individual homeowner, making information clear, practical, and accessible.

Location and contact

Kings House, Royal Court, Brook St, Macclesfield SK11 7AE · Phone: 01625 613000 · Email: cs@buildingcontrolcomms.co.uk