LDSA - The Background
The LDSA has its origins in the 19th Century- The first recorded meeting of the District Surveyor's Association (DSA as it was then known) was on 20 January 1845 in the London Coffee House at Ludgate Hill, and was called by George Pownall to consider the 1844 Act and its implications. From 1884 the DSA has been headed by elected Presidents whose names appear on the chain of office to this day.
In 1986 when the Greater London Council was abolished and the National Building Regulations came into force, building control in London was devolved to the Local Authorities. Greater London became a region of the new organisation, with the Inner London (DSA) and the outer London (GLBSA) merging to form the London District Surveyors Association (LDSA).
Today the LDSA traditionally meets at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Great George Street, by Parliament Square and continues the tradition of discussing ways of implementing the legislation. Also the tradition of "recorded questions" is continued and arrangements will be made to publish these on this website.
From the valuable work undertaken by the committees, the LDSA produces a portfolio of publications that are available to the industry. LDSA members are prominent in many positions in the construction industry, representative on National forums, committees, working groups and as lecturers and examiners in a number of the London Universities.
By these means, the London District Surveyors Association demonstrates a commitment to achieve a uniformity of excellence in building control throughout London and the rest of England and Wales.
Who are the LDSA?
The Heads of Building Control of the 33 London Boroughs (and the City of Belfast) are the principal members of LDSA, ( but other building control professionals and members of statutory bodies are co-opted members.)
Thus we have adopted a London wide approach to training to ensure that staff have every opportunity to progress and develop to their full potential, while being able to choose the geographical area which suits them the best.
Through both the Training Programme, and the allied Training Strategy, the principles are set for the introduction of staff new to Building Control, the progression of staff through career grades as well as ensuring that experienced staff keep up to date with continuous professional development (CPD).