The Building Safety Act 2022 has introduced crucial regulatory changes for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) in the UK. HRBs include buildings that are at least 18 metres tall, have seven or more stories, and contain at least two residential units. The Gateway 2 regime, which took effect in October 2023, ensures that the building design and construction plan meet all required safety standards before any construction work can commence.
However, the industry is struggling to adapt to these changes. Build UK has reported that 40% of Gateway 2 applications have been rejected due to insufficient detail, emphasising the importance of getting the submission right the first time. Developers (“The Client”) need to ensure that applications are thorough, accurate, and fully compliant to avoid costly delays. The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has set a 12-week review period for each application, but if rejected, the process could take months to be reviewed again, crippling project budgets.
What Does Gateway 2 Require?
A Gateway 2 application requires a comprehensive submission to demonstrate that the proposed work complies with the applicable building regulations. The key documents that need to be submitted include:
- Detailed plans, specifications, and schedules of the work
- Competence declarations from the developer
- Construction control plans and change control plans
- Fire and emergency files, along with mandatory occurrence reporting plan
These documents must be submitted through an online portal, with an application fee, and failure to meet the required standards can result in stop notices, fines, and further delays. Given the complexity of the requirements, it’s critical that applications are complete, accurate, and meet the expected standards to avoid additional review periods.
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Challenges Principal Designers and Contractors Face
The Gateway 2 requirements are intricate, covering a wide range of compliance areas, such as fire safety, structural integrity, and construction changes management. As the regulations place greater emphasis on ongoing reporting, all changes, whether major or notifiable, must be meticulously recorded and tracked.
For example, mandatory occurrence reporting and change control management can quickly become overwhelming. Any change to the plans must be carefully documented, explaining why the change is necessary and how it maintains compliance with regulations. Failure to manage these changes properly can lead to additional applications and project delays, driving up costs.
Why Getting it Right the First Time is Crucial
Given the BSR’s focus on detail, ensuring that your Gateway 2 application is fully complete and accurate from the outset is crucial. A poorly prepared application can lead to lengthy delays, as re-submissions can trigger another 12-week review period. Getting it right the first time not only avoids these delays but also speeds up project approval, keeping the project on track and reducing unnecessary costs.
How DocuBuild Can Help
DocuBuild streamlines the Gateway 2 submission process by providing a centralised system for tracking and managing all required compliance documentation. From Golden Thread information to mandatory occurrence reports and change control management, DocuBuild ensures that Principal Designers and Principal Contractors stay on top of every compliance requirement.
With DocuBuild, teams can collaborate in real time, ensuring that all documents are accurate, current, and compliant. Automated workflows and version control reduce the risk of errors and speed up the approval process. By using DocuBuild, you can ensure that your Gateway 2 submission is comprehensive, compliant, and submitted on time, giving you peace of mind and reducing the risk of rejection.
In Summary:
Gateway 2 compliance under the Building Safety Act requires a detailed and thorough approach to ensure the building design and construction meet all safety standards. With the right processes in place, Principal Designers and Principal Contractors can navigate the challenges of the Gateway 2 approval process with confidence, ensuring projects move forward smoothly without unnecessary delays. DocuBuild’s platform helps you maintain a compliant and well-documented process, ensuring your submission is accurate and reducing the risk of rejections or further delays.