Welwyn Hatfield Council (WHC) is teaming up with six other Hertfordshire authorities to create a fully integrated building control service for the county.

Building control teams oversee the majority of structural changes to properties, both residential and commercial, to ensure the work undertaken meets current regulations.

This is separate to planning approval, which will continue to be managed by the borough council’s planning team.

The seven-strong merger incorporates the building control teams of WHC, Broxbourne Council, Stevenage Council, Hertsmere Council, Three Rivers District Council, East Herts District Council and North Herts District Council.

The new organisation – launching at the end of the year – will become one of the largest building control companies in the UK.

Building control surveyor David Eggleton said: “This initiative has been carefully planned over many months and will enable us to provide a far more efficient service – benefiting property owners and their building contractors, but most importantly the taxpayer.

“Combining resources will give us the opportunity to invest in digital systems that will speed up the process of building control, ensuring that the business operates more efficiently.”

The merger aims to collaborate with builders, architects and agents to ensure every building project is approved with minimum disruption – saving time and money for developers and property owners.

There will be a high standard for inspections so that property owners are confident their building work is safe, environmentally sound and durable.

The new company will be wholly owned by the seven local authorities and will also be part of the Local Authority Building Control consortium.