At Hamilton, we understand the critical role building control applications play in ensuring the safety and compliance of construction projects.
Recently, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has addressed challenges impacting the approval process for higher-risk building work.
Here’s an overview of the latest updates from BSR, including changes in application processing and new regulations for building control professionals.
Update on Application Approvals
The BSR has acknowledged the delays in processing building control applications, particularly for higher-risk projects. These delays have been largely attributed to an unexpected surge in applications and a significant number of incomplete or unclear submissions, especially for smaller refurbishment and existing building projects.
To address these issues and enhance the approval process, BSR has implemented several measures:
- Streamlined Processing for New Applications: New applications will now be processed within normal timelines and will not contribute to the backlog.
- Focus on Application Quality: To expedite approvals, applicants are encouraged to submit high-quality applications with detailed information that clearly demonstrates compliance with building regulations. Applications lacking necessary details or clarity will face rejection.
- Direct Communication: Applicants are not required to follow up with BSR after submission. BSR will contact applicants directly if additional information is needed or when an application progresses.
Regulating the Building Control Profession
In a related development, BSR has published an update regarding the regulated building control profession following the end of the competency extension period on 6th July. This temporary extension allowed registered building inspectors in England to complete their competency assessments.
Key points include:
- Mandatory Registration: Building control professionals performing work in England or Wales must be registered with BSR to ensure adherence to high standards.
- Growing Profession: The registration data shows an increase in the number of inspectors joining the regulated profession, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high industry standards.
Looking Ahead
BSR is committed to stabilising and improving the service over the coming months. Here at Hamilton, we encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are comprehensive and clear to facilitate a smoother approval process.
