Developers Face Uncertainty as Building Safety Regulator Causes Gateway 2 Chaos
A developer has spoken out about the "total chaos" caused by the Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) decision to require a nearly structurally complete residential block to undergo pre-construction checks, despite being almost ready for occupation. The Enquirer has learned that the developer is facing significant delays and potential losses after the BSR ruled that its scheme would need to go through the Gateway 2 process, which could jeopardise sales and cause financial hardship.
According to the developer, the residential block in question had been structurally complete since the end of last year and was under the control of the BSR since last April, when the original building control firm was found to be non-registered. The BSR took months to acknowledge the scheme and only sent an adviser to the site in November, when most of the structure was complete and the Building Warranty provider was conducting final sign-off inspections.
The developer expressed frustration that the BSR has now decided that the scheme needs to go through the regulatory process for Gateway 2, despite being almost ready for occupation. "We had quite rightly believed that we were in Gateway 3 as construction had completed and we were at the stage of Building Control sign-off," the developer said. "We have been ignored and messed around for months then hit with this and our construction team is totally confused about how to get this project over the finish line."
The Enquirer understands that the developer has been forced to write to buyers explaining the delay, which has caused concern among purchasers and may lead to sales collapsing. The developer estimates that it could lose millions of pounds if the project is further delayed. "I’ve spoken to other developers in a similar situation and it’s total chaos thanks to a system which just isn’t working at the moment," the developer said.
The BSR’s decision has raised questions about the effectiveness of the Gateway process, which was introduced to improve building safety. The Enquirer has been told that other developers are experiencing similar issues, and there are concerns that the system is not functioning as intended. As one developer noted, "The Gateway process was meant to streamline building control and ensure that buildings are safe, but it’s having the opposite effect. It’s causing delays, confusion, and financial hardship for developers and buyers alike."
The Construction Enquirer has contacted the BSR for comment but has not yet received a response. The incident highlights the need for greater clarity and efficiency in the building control process, particularly in light of the new regulations introduced under the Building Safety Act. As the developer noted, "We understand the importance of building safety, but we need a system that works. We need the BSR to work with us to resolve this issue and get the project back on track." The Enquirer will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
In related news, industry experts have expressed concerns about the impact of the Gateway process on the construction industry. "The Gateway process was introduced to improve building safety, but it’s having a significant impact on the construction industry," said a spokesperson for a leading construction industry body. "We need to ensure that the system is working effectively and that developers are not facing unnecessary delays and costs." The Enquirer will continue to provide updates on this story as more information becomes available.
