What's Happening?
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has announced plans to clear its backlog of legacy gateway two building control applications by January. This backlog includes 91 new build cases, covering 22,000 new homes, which have been delayed due to issues such
as staff availability and complexity. The BSR has implemented a bespoke plan to address specific blockers within each application, aiming to make decisions on 77 of these cases by the end of November, with the remaining three to be completed by January. The regulator is also managing 27 applications under its new centralised innovation unit, which are being processed within the statutory 12-week timeframe.
Why It's Important?
The elimination of the backlog is crucial for maintaining confidence in the building sector, as highlighted by BSR chair Andy Roe. The backlog has been a significant issue, potentially affecting the timely construction of new homes, particularly in London where 51 of the applications are based. Clearing the backlog will facilitate the construction of 21,745 homes, addressing housing demands and contributing to economic growth. The BSR's efforts to streamline processes and improve coordination with entities like Homes England are vital for enhancing efficiency and ensuring safety standards in new constructions.
What's Next?
The BSR plans to continue its focus on new-build applications, which remain a priority. The regulator is also planning to establish a centralised remediation unit to accelerate progress on legacy remediation submissions. Discussions with Homes England are underway to improve coordination, and a new batching system has been introduced to expand capacity for dealing with remediation cases. These steps are expected to enhance the BSR's ability to manage future applications more effectively and prevent similar backlogs.
