The Building Safety Act introduced 3 decision points, known as Gateways, for higher-risk buildings (HRBs). Gateway 2 is a key stage in the building safety approval process that needs to be completed before construction begins. A rigorous assessment is required to ensure that all building safety risks are identified and mitigated before construction begins.
For this phase, certain documentation, including detailed planning and comprehensive risk management information, needs to be submitted to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). Regulator chiefs recently shared that more than half of submitted applications for HRBs lack the ‘basic information’ showing that they meet Gateway 2 requirements, resulting in a large number of re-applications being required.
In order to pass Gateway 2 submission, the design must be at RIBA Stage 4, with the specifications already decided upon. To achieve this requires collaboration between the principal designer and the principal contractor, to ensure that adequate consideration is given to value-engineering and efficiency in the build process. The application must also be submitted together with the essential documentation to support it.
In this blog post, we are going to break down the requirements of the Gateway 2 application so that you have everything needed for a smooth process.
Essential Documentation for a Successful Gateway 2 Application
The following documents need to be submitted along with a signed statement by the client:
Competence Declaration
A competence declaration is required from the client to confirm that all key personnel involved in the project – the principal designer, the principal contractor, and other significant contributors – possess the necessary qualifications and experience. This ensures that those responsible for various aspects of the construction are fully capable of performing their duties safely and effectively.
Building Regulations Compliance Statement
This comprehensive statement demonstrates how each aspect of the project will meet Building Regulations requirements. It must detail the methods and materials that will be used to comply with each regulation, including references to external standards and solutions. This document is essential for showing that your project will adhere to legal safety and quality standards.
Fire and Emergency File
This file outlines the strategies for managing fire safety risks once the building is occupied. It should include detailed plans for fire prevention, detection, suppression, and evacuation, as well as the assumptions underlying these strategies. This file is critical for ensuring ongoing safety and preparedness in the event of a fire.
Construction Control Plan
This plan outlines how construction activities will be managed to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. It includes details on monitoring construction work and maintaining the competencies of those involved throughout the project. A well-developed construction control plan helps ensure that the building process remains safe and compliant from start to finish.
Change Control Plan
A change control plan describes the procedures for managing changes to the project once approval has been granted. This plan is vital for maintaining control over the project and ensuring that all changes are handled systematically and safely.
Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Plan
This plan outlines the process for reporting any significant issues discovered during the design and construction phases. It includes protocols for identifying and addressing problems related to competence, materials, and construction defects. The mandatory occurrence reporting plan ensures that any potential issues are promptly reported and addressed, thus maintaining the integrity and safety of the project.
Partial Completion Strategy
For projects intended to be completed in phases, a partial completion strategy is necessary. This document proposes how parts of the building may be occupied before the entire project is finished. If a partial completion strategy is not included in the Gateway 2 application, future requests for partial occupation could be considered major changes, complicating the process.
Tips for Ensuring a Successful Application
- Start Early: Begin compiling your documentation well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. By keeping records from the outset, you can maintain your ‘golden thread’ – ensuring that every change is documented and up to date. Learn more about the golden thread of information here.
- Consult Experts: Engage with professionals who specialise in building safety and compliance. You could also book our CPD on Navigating the Building Safety Act for more detailed guidance.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any changes in building regulations and safety standards. We recommend signing up for our Lunch and Learn series for detailed information on building safety regulations.
- Quality Control: Implement a rigorous review process to ensure the highest quality of all submitted documents.
- Understand the Definitions for Design Changes: While applying for Gateway 2, it is important to understand the difference between major, notifiable, and recordable changes and the impact each has on your application. We share more information about them here.
How Much Does the Gateway 2 Application Cost?
Application Fee: The initial fee for building control approval for an HRB is £180. This fee applies to both the primary application and any subsequent-stage applications. The fee must be paid at the time of submitting the application.
Review Charges by the BSR: The BSR charges £144 per hour to review each application. This hourly rate covers the time spent by the BSR on assessing the compliance and safety aspects of your submission.
Additional Charges: In addition to the hourly review charges, the BSR may incur extra costs. These can include expenses related to liaising with relevant authorities or third parties to ensure that all safety and regulatory requirements are met. These additional charges are variable and depend on the specifics of your application and the amount of coordination required.
For any additional guidance on navigating the Building Safety Act, book our CPD or get in touch with our team at MyDek.