What's Happening?
A mechanical and electrical project at London's historic Guildhall has encountered a nine-month delay due to the Building Safety Regulator's (BSR) gateway two approval process. The project, which involves replacing chillers in the grade I-listed building,
is classified as a higher-risk building due to the presence of grace-and-favour flats. The statutory timeframe for gateway two approvals is 12 weeks, but the contractor, Briggs & Forrester, has faced significant delays. The BSR's approach has been criticized as outdated and risk-averse, with concerns raised about developers potentially circumventing the system.
Why It's Important?
The delays in the BSR approval process highlight challenges in the implementation of the Building Safety Act, which aims to enhance safety in high-risk buildings. The backlog of applications affects not only the Guildhall project but also thousands of homes awaiting approval for remediation or construction. The situation underscores the need for more efficient regulatory processes to ensure timely project completion and safety compliance. The delays could impact the construction industry, leading to increased costs and project timelines, and may prompt calls for regulatory reform.
What's Next?
The government has committed to resolving the delays by the end of the year and is processing the first gateway three applications. Additionally, 100 more BSR inspectors are expected to be recruited by December. The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee is set to conclude its inquiry into the BSR, with a report anticipated in December. These developments may lead to changes in the regulatory framework to address current inefficiencies.
