BSR meets CLC after receiving ‘unsuitable’ Building Control applications

September 11, 2024

BSR meets CLC after receiving ‘unsuitable’ Building Control applications

This content has been produced in association with our sister company, Barbour.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has met with the Construction Leadership Council to discuss industry concerns relating to Building Control approval applications, Construction Management has reported.

BSR, responsible for Building Control applications for new and existing higher-risk building work, said that it is receiving a high number of ”incomplete or unclear“ applications that cannot be processed for approval.

The BSR said: “We recognise the challenges and issues that recent delays to Building Control application approvals are causing the industry. We want to assure everyone that the necessary contingency is in place which will allow us to stabilise and improve the service over the coming months and for the future. We are contacting all applicants who have been directly affected.

“While in part the delays have arisen due to an unexpected increase in applications coming into BSR, we are also experiencing a high number of applications which are incomplete or unclear, making them unsuitable for approval. This is particularly the case for smaller refurbishment projects and work on existing buildings.

“As the regulator, we will not:

  • Tell you how to comply with the requirements of the building regulations.
  • Provide pre-application advice on Building Control applications.”

 

Advice from professionals

When acting as a Building Control authority for higher-risk buildings, the BSR can serve a stop notice when building work contravenes a provision of building regulations and the use of the building would present a risk to people.

It can also serve a notice where work is taking place without Building Control approval or a compliance notice has been contravened.

The regulator asked applicants “to play their part” by ensuring that applications are clear and comprehensive and show compliance with building regulations.

“Advice on the buildings regulations, if needed, should be sought from competent professionals,” it said.

“High-quality applications help BSR make informed decisions quickly, reducing the risk of misinterpretation and ensuring all Building Control standards are met. Applications which lack the required detailed information or fail to demonstrate clear compliance will be rejected.”

 

Construction Management
August 2024

Our Comment

This announcement illustrates the focus which the BSR is now directing to the building control function, but also, the need for the whole process to be more joined up with applicants playing their part.

BSR meets CLC

Contact

At William Martin, we bring unparalleled health & safety expertise and powerful technology to the table. Whatever your sector and wherever you are, we give you the support you need to keep compliant, strong, and successful.

This content has been produced in association with our sister company, Barbour.

For all enquiries, please contact us or call our team on 0203 819 8829.

Related Posts

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png February 11, 2025

PPE in UK Workplaces Falls Short of Safety Standards

The government announces changes aimed at enhancing protection in care homes.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png st, john February 11, 2025

St John Ambulance declares 2025 the year of holistic workplace health, warning organisations are at risk of outdated first aid approaches

The government announces changes aimed at enhancing protection in care homes.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png fire, chief February 11, 2025

Fire chief reveals towers still built with major safety risks

The government announces changes aimed at enhancing protection in care homes.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png February 11, 2025

The UK’s national health and safety regulator celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The government announces changes aimed at enhancing protection in care homes.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png February 11, 2025

Company fined after worker breaks leg in fall.

The government announces changes aimed at enhancing protection in care homes.

https://wmcompliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Barbour-JustIcon-wh.png November 29, 2024

Fire safety bodies hold Grenfell Report roundtable

Fire safety professionals have met to discuss the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.