Govt intervenes to fix broken building safety approvals system
Reforms aimed at speeding up the lengthy gateway process that has prevented thousands of high-rise homes starting on site have been announced.
The government has today unveiled a package of interventions to reduce approval times for buildings deemed high risk under the Building Safety Act – those taller than 18 metres or seven storeys.
A new “fast track process” will be introduced to enhance the review of new-build applications, unblock delays, and boost sector confidence, according to the government.
The Health and Safety Executive is also being stripped of responsibility for the Building Safety Regulator.
An arms-length body that sits within the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, will be set up to run it.
In the meantime, a shadow board has been established to manage the BSR through its transition from HSE to MHCLG.
The board will be chaired by Andy Roe, the former commissioner of London Fire Brigade. Charlie Pugsley, the current deputy commissioner of LFB, will be the board’s chief executive.
Alex Norris, minister for building safety, said: “The establishment of the Building Safety Regulator has been fundamental to centralising safety in the construction process and it’s time to take the next steps to build on that precedent and create a system that works for the sector whilst keeping residents and their safety at the heart of the process.
“That’s why we’re announcing a package of reforms to the BSR today to enhance operations, reduce delays, and unlock the homes this country desperately needs – delivering on our Plan for Change.”
A statement from the Building Safety Regulator, said: “It was always possible once the regulator was established it would move out of HSE. Protecting residents, making sure there is never another tragedy like Grenfell, has been our priority throughout this process. Setting up a new regulator has been complex, and huge progress has been made in a short time. The construction industry must meet standards that will keep residents safe in high-rise buildings. We will do all we can to help the transition run smoothly.”
