Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the introduction of stringent building regulations under the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the newly formed Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has resulted in significant challenges for contractors and developers. Approvals for a Gateway 2 application for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) can now take up to 20 weeks or more—far exceeding the 12 weeks from the date of receipt set out by the BSR.
This article examines these delays’ challenges and highlights the importance of partnering with a reliable expert to mitigate risks and maintain project timelines.
How we got here
On 1 October 2023, the Building Safety Act 2022 introduced a new building-control regime for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England. These buildings are over 18 meters or seven stories tall and have at least 2 residential units, with stringent safety requirements due to occupancy or complexity.
The BSR, established to oversee this new regime, is responsible for building-control approvals for new and existing HRBs. This reform directly responded to the Grenfell Tower fire, tragically exposing systemic shortcomings in fire safety measures and construction practices. The goal of the BSR is to ensure that safety standards are met throughout a building’s lifecycle—from design and construction to occupation.
The government introduced a gateway process that enforces safety at three critical stages: planning, building control approval, and completion. By involving the BSR at every stage, the process aims to embed safety considerations into every aspect of building development.
The impact of change
The new regulations have brought about significant challenges across the construction industry, including for the BSR. Tim Galloway, Deputy Director of the BSR’s Building Safety Programme, acknowledged at the Trowers & Hamlins’ conference that the new regime’s implementation has been challenging and that turnaround times for Gateway applications are “not where we want to be.”
These delays have had a knock-on effect on project starts. Tony Hill, Managing Director at Eden Facades, explains the impact on facade installation projects:
“These delays have redefined project timelines, with some jobs now taking as long as 18 months from planning to site commencement.”
“Moreover, once the project has received approval through Gateway 2 and construction can commence, even small changes, such as material substitution during construction, require navigating a rigorous change control process, adding weeks to the schedule.”
The importance of getting the process right, first time
Lack of expertise can lead to rejected submissions, project delays, and costly legal consequences for non-compliance with BSR requirements. At Eden Facades, we have embraced these changes as an opportunity to add even greater value for our clients. Here’s how we support your project at every stage:
Early engagement for smooth approvals
Successfully navigating Gateway 2 the first time is crucial. The BSR expect submissions to be comprehensive and have input from experts. It will be reviewed by a multi-disciplinary team so having input from experts in drafting the submission is the most effective way of ensuring a successful application.
If an application is rejected and the detailed designs have been completed, it would be subject to a change control process, which takes 8 weeks. By engaging with us early in your project, we ensure all specifications meet the latest regulations and are meticulously documented. This proactive approach reduces the risk of rejection and minimises delays.
Material specification expertise
Choosing the right materials for your facade is more important than ever. Our team works proactively to help you identify and source compliant, reliable materials that will be available when your project begins. This mitigates the risks associated with last-minute changes and their impact on timelines, giving you a sense of security and preparedness.
Support through PCSA
Pre-Construction Services Agreements (PCSAs) are increasingly common in today’s complex projects. By collaborating during this phase, we help contractors design, plan, and refine project details early, ensuring a smoother transition into construction.
Reliability matters
At Eden Facades, we pride ourselves on offering the “whole package,” providing peace of mind that your project is in safe hands. Why choose Eden Facades?
Financial stability: We reduce the risk of disruptions by ensuring stability throughout your project.
Expert team: Our experienced professionals are equipped to handle challenges head-on.
Seamless delivery: From pricing to execution, we ensure a smooth process so your project stays on track.
You’re investing in expertise, precision, and peace of mind by choosing Eden Facades. We’ll guide you through the complexities of modern construction, ensuring your project complies with regulations and achieves excellence.
Whether navigating Gateway 2, managing change control, or offering valuable insights during the PCSA phase, Eden Facades is with you every step.
If you would like to understand better how we can support you and your projects, please get in touch with our team by calling us on 01268 744199 or email us at office@edenfacades.co.uk
