Gateway 2 Delays: A Barrier to Construction Efficiency? - Boodle Hatfield

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Article
13 Dec 2024

Gateway 2 Delays: A Barrier to Construction Efficiency?

Written by

Sarah Rock View profile
Clemie Stent View profile
2 min read

Since its introduction in October 2023, the Gateway 2 process for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) has become a significant talking point in the construction sector. While the new system, overseen by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), aims to ensure rigorous compliance with building safety regulations, its implementation has highlighted systemic challenges, leading to project delays, increased costs, and widespread frustration.

Statistics from the British Property Federation (BPF) suggest that as of June 2024, only 4 out of 62 new applications were determined within the prescribed 12-week period, with 22 requiring extensions and 10 facing outright refusal. Similarly, 260 amendments to existing HRB applications were refused out of 606 submitted. So what are the current barriers?

  1. Incomplete or unclear applications
    One of the primary hurdles has been the quality of submissions. The BSR has flagged that many applications lack sufficient detail or clarity, particularly for smaller refurbishment projects or work on existing structures. This has led to rejections or demands for resubmission, further extending project timelines.
  2. Overwhelming documentation requirements
    Applications must demonstrate compliance with building regulations in granular detail, explaining why specific standards were chosen and how they apply to each project element. For large-scale projects, this could mean thousands of items requiring individual justification—a task that is both time-consuming and resource-intensive.
  3. Increased costs and resource strain
    The delays and complexity of the process have driven up costs for construction projects. For smaller firms, the administrative burden can be particularly crippling, impacting their ability to remain competitive.

The Path Forward

To mitigate these challenges, the following steps could help streamline the process:

  • Improved guidance: Clearer, more practical guidelines could empower applicants to prepare robust and compliant applications. For instance, providing templates or examples of acceptable narratives could significantly reduce resubmission rates.
  • Digital tools: Leveraging digital platforms to simplify the submission and review process might cut down on inefficiencies and enhance communication between applicants and regulators.
  • Capacity building: Expanding the BSR’s resources to handle the volume of applications more efficiently could address the current bottlenecks and ensure quicker determinations.

While the intent of Gateway 2 is undeniably critical, its practical implementation must evolve to balance safety with efficiency. Open dialogue between the construction industry and the regulator, alongside proactive measures, is key to ensuring the system supports, rather than hinders, progress.

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Written by

Sarah Rock View profile
Clemie Stent View profile