Established in 2021, the council has grown into a resolute authority following local government reform and its building control team are recognised as a vital part of its growing success.
A settled, modern and ambitious service
Following the creation of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) as a unitary authority, the building control service has matured into a well-structured and highly skilled team of nine professionals. Bringing together the experience, knowledge, and expertise of several predecessor councils, the service now operates with a clear sense of direction and purpose.
Senior management at WNC have placed significant emphasis on developing building control as a strategic service, recognising the crucial role it plays in ensuring safety, quality, and compliance across an area that is undergoing major regeneration and investment.
An area full of opportunity
Few local authority areas can match the variety and scale of development seen across West Northamptonshire. The area encompasses major residential expansions, new schools, commercial schemes, and flagship infrastructure projects. It also boasts internationally recognised venues and institutions — from Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, to Northampton Saints Rugby Club and Northampton Town Football Club.
This breadth of activity offers the building control team an exceptional range of work. Officers are engaged in projects that demand both technical excellence and creative problem-solving, across every stage of construction. The combination of urban growth, rural communities, and heritage assets creates a uniquely varied professional landscape — one where every day brings a new challenge and a chance to make a visible impact on the built environment.
Innovation and professional development
With the council’s continued investment in smarter ways of working, the team is embracing innovation to improve efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
From process automation to digital inspections and advanced plan-checking systems, technology is helping officers spend more time focusing on what matters most: ensuring that buildings are safe, sustainable, and built to last.
Training and development remain central to the service’s ethos. The council actively supports professional growth, encouraging officers to pursue accreditation and specialist qualifications, and providing mentoring for those entering the profession.
For more experienced professionals, there are opportunities to take the lead on major projects, manage key client relationships, and help shape the strategic direction of the service as it expands. In a sector that is constantly evolving — particularly with the implementation of new building safety legislation — WNC’s commitment to continuous learning ensures its officers are equipped for both current and future challenges.
Shaping the future
As the service continues to develop, there remains significant scope for building control professionals to influence its future direction. The team’s leaders are keen to strengthen its position in the marketplace, expand its client base, and increase its share of work across the region.
This proactive approach is supported by WNC’s corporate commitment to growth and excellence. The council’s senior leadership team recognises building control as a vital enabler of economic development, public safety, and community confidence — and they are fully invested in helping it flourish.
A culture that puts people first
At West Northamptonshire Council, the focus is always on people — both the communities it serves and the staff who deliver its services. The council’s culture is built around empowerment, collaboration, and innovation, offering staff the freedom to think creatively and the support to put ideas into action.
Its values — trust, high performance, respect, innovate and empower (THRIVE) — underpin every aspect of how the service operates. They are reflected not only in the quality of work delivered, but in the supportive environment that encourages professional ambition and personal growth.
Where careers thrive
For those seeking a new challenge or looking to take the next step in their building control career, West Northamptonshire Council offers the opportunity to be part of something genuinely forward-thinking.
Here, professionals can work on a diverse portfolio of projects, contribute to the development of a growing service, and enjoy the support of a council that truly values its people. Whether developing new skills, mentoring others, or leading major schemes, there is genuine scope to build a fulfilling and progressive career.
As the service continues to expand, WNC remains committed to attracting talented professionals who share its vision for excellence, safety, and innovation in the built environment.
In West Northamptonshire, building control is not just a regulatory function — it’s a dynamic, collaborative, and ambitious service that plays a vital role in shaping the future of the region. It’s a place where people can achieve, contribute, and, above all, thrive.
If you’re a building control professional looking for your next step, or if you’d just like an informal chat to see what we have to offer, we would love to hear from you. You can also see more about the service on our careers page here: Our Planning and Building Control teams | West Northamptonshire Council
Image: Morgan Von Gunten via UnSplash
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