The Building Safety Act 2022, introduced in April 2022, has transformed how buildings are designed and constructed in the UK, with the Gateway process playing a central role. This process requires strict safety checks at key stages of high-risk building projects. While over 11,000 safety applications have been submitted under the new system, some developers are still facing delays in getting approvals, highlighting the challenges in adapting to these complex new requirements.
The building safety act: what is the gateway process?
The Gateway Process ensures safety is embedded into every stage of a building’s life cycle, from design to construction to occupation. The three critical stages are:
- Gateway 1: Planning — Safety considerations are embedded into the initial design and planning process.
- Gateway 2: Construction — A review of the plans, as well as an inspection of safety practices during construction.
- Gateway 3: Occupation — Final assessments are made to ensure the building is compliant with all safety standards.
At each stage, the project must pass rigorous safety reviews. If it doesn’t meet the required standards, it cannot progress.
The challenges developers are facing
- Increased Complexity — Developers must meet new, detailed safety standards, including fire safety and structural resilience. Compliance takes time.
- Bureaucratic Bottlenecks — The high volume of applications has led to delays in reviews.
- Evolving Regulations — Developers are adjusting to updated safety standards, meaning designs may need revisiting.
- Tightened Regulations — The Building Safety Act has ushered in a new era of accountability and scrutiny, particularly for high-rise residential buildings and complex developments. Many projects are failing to meet the higher safety standards, requiring redesigns and delays.
why getting the right design is crucial
A key aspect of the Building Safety Act is embedding safety from the very start. Safety considerations like fire risk assessments, evacuation plans and structural resilience must now be prioritised in the planning phase — a shift from previous practices where these were often addressed later in development.
By focusing on safety upfront, developers can avoid costly fixes later and ensure buildings are better prepared for emergencies.
opportunities for employers
As you navigate the complexities of the Gateway process, the need for skilled professionals is greater than ever. Developers must invest in experienced teams who understand the new safety regulations and can deliver on these high standards.
This is where we can help. As specialists in property recruitment, we connect you with the talent you need to ensure your projects meet these new requirements. Our specialist property and construction team understands the skills required to navigate the Gateway process and ensure your projects are compliant.
Partner with us to build the right team and tackle the challenges of the Building Safety Act. Together, we can help you meet these new standards and keep your projects on track.
