What is Gateway 2 in the Building Safety Act?

The UK construction sector is currently facing significant delays in obtaining approvals under the Building Safety Gateway 2 process, a mandatory regulatory stage prior to commencing construction on higher-risk residential buildings. Recent data indicates that only a small proportion of submissions are successfully approved, raising concerns regarding project timelines and regulatory efficiency.

Understanding Gateway 2

Introduced as part of the Building Safety Act 2022, Gateway 2 requires developers to secure regulatory approval before initiating construction on high-rise residential developments. The process is designed to ensure that essential safety considerations, particularly relating to fire safety and structural integrity, are integrated from the outset of a project.

Current Approval Rates

According to consultancy firm Cast, as of June 2025, only 10% of Gateway 2 submissions for new builds have been approved. This statistic highlights a substantial bottleneck in the approval process, with some developers experiencing delays of up to nine months before receiving initial feedback (building.co.uk).

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to these delays, including:

• Incomplete or inaccurate submissions – Many applications lack the necessary detail, prompting multiple rounds of clarification with regulators.
• Regulatory capacity constraints – The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is operating under resource limitations, affecting its ability to process applications promptly.
• Stakeholder consultation requirements – Addressing feedback from various stakeholders can further extend approval timelines.

Implications for the Industry

The protracted approval process has significant consequences for the construction sector:

• Project delays – Extended waiting periods disrupt construction schedules and overall project delivery.
• Increased costs – Delays can result in higher project expenditure due to prolonged financing and potential material cost inflation.
• Legal risks – Commencing construction without the requisite approvals may lead to legal challenges and penalties.

Recommended Measures

To address these challenges, industry experts have recommended:

• Streamlined submission processes – Clearer guidelines and checklists to ensure that applications meet regulatory requirements at the outset.
• Enhanced resourcing for the BSR – Additional personnel and resources to expedite the review process.
• Tiered approval systems – Differentiated approval pathways based on project complexity and risk profile (building.co.uk).

Conclusion

While Gateway 2 plays a critical role in safeguarding the safety of high-rise residential buildings, current delays pose considerable challenges to the UK construction industry. It is essential that these bottlenecks are addressed to ensure adherence to project timelines, cost control, and compliance with safety standards.