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 applications for 22,000 new-build homes.
The BSR is focusing on addressing specific blockers within each application to expedite final decisions. A total of 91 new build cases submitted under the BSR’s previous multidisciplinary teams model remain in the system, with most expected to be resolved by December. The BSR has also established a central Innovation Unit to accelerate gateway-two applications, managing 27 applications covering 6,192 homes within the statutory 12-week timeframe. Additionally, the BSR is planning a centralised remediation unit to improve coordination and accelerate progress.
Why It's Important?
The elimination of the gateway two backlog is crucial for the construction industry, as it impacts the development of thousands of new homes. Clearing this backlog will facilitate the timely completion of housing projects, addressing housing shortages and potentially stabilizing housing markets. The BSR's efforts to streamline processes and improve coordination with Homes England could enhance efficiency in building safety regulation, restoring confidence in the sector. The focus on new-build applications highlights the priority given to expanding housing availability, which is vital for economic growth and meeting public demand.
What's Next?
The BSR plans to continue deploying resources to address challenges within applications, aiming for final decisions by January. The central Innovation Unit will maintain its role in managing applications efficiently. Discussions with Homes England are expected to improve coordination, potentially leading to more streamlined processes in the future. The BSR's new batching system, initiated in September, will expand capacity for dealing with remediation cases, with weekly dispatches planned based on available capacity. The regulator's actions will be closely monitored by industry stakeholders, who are keen on seeing significant reductions in the building safety backlog.
Beyond the Headlines
The BSR's initiative to clear the backlog may set a precedent for future regulatory processes, emphasizing the importance of efficient management and coordination in building safety. The establishment of centralized units could lead to long-term improvements in regulatory practices, potentially influencing policy changes. The focus on innovation and rapid deployment of resources reflects a shift towards more proactive regulatory approaches, which could have broader implications for the construction industry and public policy.
