Harwood Building Control Limited

27/08/2026

What does a Registered Building Control Approver actually do?

Every construction project needs to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations – and increasingly, that work sits with a Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA).

An RBCA reviews designs, checks technical information, and carries out site inspections at key stages, working alongside the project team from concept through to completion.

At Harwood, we work across a broad mix of sectors, including:

- Commercial
- Healthcare
- Education
- Data centres
- Offices
- Residential
- Industrial and logistics
- Retail and mixed-use developments

That range means our team is used to adapting to different building types, regulatory complexities and project scales – and working closely with developers, contractors, architects and consultants to keep compliance on track without slowing the project down.

Planning an upcoming development and need building control support? Get in touch: https://harwood.uk.com/contact/

24/08/2026

As the Building Safety Levy gets ever closer to coming into force on 1 October 2026, the Home Builders Federation (HBF) has released research showing that the majority of housebuilders feel the new levy will do more harm than good.

36% of respondents said that they have already delayed, redesigned or cancelled some of their schemes in anticipation of the Building Safety Levy.

Read the article on PBC Today:

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/building-control-news/smes-warn-building-safety-levy-will-make-sites-unviable/164796/

As the change comes ever closer, now is a good time for developers to review projects in the pipeline and consider whether Building Regulations applications can be progressed ahead of the deadline.

Submitting before 1 October could help provide greater cost certainty and potentially avoid the additional levy charge, but preparing a complete and coordinated application takes time.

If you have a residential or PBSA development approaching the Building Regulations stage, speak to Harwood now to understand what is required and whether submission before the deadline is achievable.

https://harwood.uk.com/contact/

Over 90% of SMEs responding to the HBF's survey agree that the Building Safety Levy will prevent many sites from being viable

20/08/2026

In our latest Meet the Team interview, Project Manager Zoe Grayson shares how a chance opportunity led to a career in building control.

Zoe discusses returning to education in her late thirties, achieving a first-class honours degree, memorable projects and why she still enjoys watching a building develop “from a hole in the ground right the way through to finished”.

She also reflects on her experience as a woman in construction and the need to introduce more young people to the profession:

“Girls need to know that those options are there. Building Control needs to be involved in more careers fairs at school level.”

Now part of Harwood’s Canterbury team, Zoe is looking forward to broadening her experience across schools, care homes and other new project types.

Read the full interview: https://harwood.uk.com/from-a-chance-opportunity-to-a-career-in-building-control-meet-zoe-grayson/

Meet Harwood Project Manager Zoe Grayson and discover her journey into Building Control, career highlights and ambitions for the future.

19/08/2026

It’s been an exciting period of growth so far for us at Harwood, and one of the best parts has been welcoming so many new faces to the team.

As our business continues to grow, our people remain at the heart of everything we do. Their knowledge, commitment and approach are a huge part of Harwood’s success, so it has been fantastic to see new team members joining us and settling into their roles across the country.

Each person has brought something valuable to the business, and it’s been great to watch the team continue to strengthen.

We’re proud of the supportive culture we’re building at Harwood and excited for what’s ahead as we continue to grow.

To see our latest career opportunities, visit: harwood.uk.com/careers/

17/08/2026

We’ve spoken about the Building Safety Levy at length, and with its introduction on 1 October 2026 getting closer, it should be a priority consideration for developers with qualifying projects.

This article from PBC Today provides a useful look at why the industry shouldn’t underestimate its potential impact.

https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/building-control-news/the-building-safety-levy-is-coming-and-the-industry-shouldnt-underestimate-it/164169/

Harwood is supporting clients in understanding the levy, assessing what it could mean for their developments and preparing Building Regulations applications ahead of the deadline.

If you’d like to understand how the levy could impact your projects, get in touch with our team:

https://harwood.uk.com/contact/

The Building Safety Levy comes into force in October, but its impact could be far greater than many anticipate.

13/08/2026

CIBSE's TM59 Overheating risk in dwellings - a design stage methodology (2026) has just been published.

TM59 is the recognised dynamic thermal modelling method referenced by Approved Document O (Part O) to demonstrate overheating compliance for new dwellings and major refurbishments.

The updated guidance provides a revised approach to assessing overheating risk in new homes and major refurbishments.

It includes:

- Updated bedroom overheating criteria.
- Greater focus on passive design.
- New future-weather data.
- Guidance on using ceiling fans.
- A three-stage approach to overheating assessments.

All information is available and free to download: https://www.cibse.org/knowledge-research/knowledge-portal/tm59-overheating-risk-in-dwellings-a-design-stage-methodology-2026/

11/08/2026

Project complete: New operating theatre and ward facilities

We’re proud to have supported this project throughout the design and construction of new clinical facilities, including an operating theatre, reception and staff areas, a 15-bed ward and first-stage recovery unit.

The new facilities are linked by a hospital street, helping to create a connected and functional environment for patients and staff.

Our team worked closely with Darwin Group throughout the project, providing building control support and technical guidance to help the development progress smoothly through design and construction.

07/08/2026

Supporting our local community is an important part of who we are at Harwood.

We are proud to back local venues and initiatives that bring people together, create memorable experiences and help Canterbury’s cultural scene continue to thrive.

That is why we are delighted to support The Marlowe Theatre by sponsoring comedy.

With a fantastic lineup throughout 2026 and 2027, audiences can look forward to performances from comedians including Al Murray, Chris Ramsay and Alan Carr, among many others.

See the full comedy line-up and book tickets here:
https://marlowetheatre.com/whats-on/

05/08/2026

If you are planning a residential or purpose-built student accommodation development in England, now is the time to act.

From 1 October 2026, the Building Safety Levy will apply to qualifying Building Regulations applications, introducing an additional project cost based on chargeable floorspace and location.

For developments already moving through design, submitting before the deadline could provide greater certainty over costs, help maintain project momentum and potentially avoid the levy charge.

However, preparing a complete and coordinated Building Regulations application takes time. Drawings, specifications and supporting information all need to be reviewed and brought together before submission.

Developers should therefore be reviewing project programmes now to ensure submission before 1 October 2026.

If you'd like to know more about how the levy will impact your projects, get in touch with us:

https://harwood.uk.com/contact/

03/08/2026

We’re pleased to be supporting Build Developments with our building control services for a rooftop extension that will create 50 new apartments.

We look forward to working with the wider project team as the development progresses.

Contractor: We Build Sussex Ltd
Architect: InkDrawn Architects

Find out more about our recent and ongoing projects by visiting: https://harwood.uk.com/projects/

Looking for building control support for your next development? Get in touch with our team: https://harwood.uk.com/contact/