BSA Secondary Legislation: Gateway Requirements Now in Effect
The Building Safety Act gateway process for higher-risk buildings is now fully operational. Architects must obtain Gateway 2 approval before construction commences on any building 18m+ or 7+ storeys.
The Building Safety Act 2022's three-gateway regime has reached a significant operational milestone. Gateway 2 became mandatory for all higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in 2024.
What constitutes an HRB?
A building classed as higher-risk is at least 18 metres high or has at least 7 storeys AND contains at least 2 residential units.
Gateway 2 Submissions
The principal designer must coordinate and submit a comprehensive building control application to the BSR including: full design documentation, a construction control plan, a fire and emergency file, and a change control plan.
Timescales
The BSR has a 12-week statutory determination period for Gateway 2 applications. Practitioners must factor significant lead times into programme schedules.
BSA Principal Designer Role
Architects acting as Principal Designer under both CDM 2015 and the BSA must understand the distinction between the two roles. BSA Principal Designer duties focus on building safety specifically. From April 2024, all principal designers on HRB projects must be registered with the BSR.