The latest data on Gateway Two applications published by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for the period 25 November to 22 December 2025 shows progress made with the backlog of applications and the Innovation Unit. There were 347 decisions across all application types in this period, taking the total to 727 decisions since 29 September 2025.
For applications submitted under the previous model, the approval rate now stands at 83%, up from 73%, with a further 20 decisions made during this period. However, there are still 40 ‘legacy’ new build applications awaiting decisions, which the BSR was intending to have reduced to three by the end of 2025. The Innovation Unit is currently managing 102 live new build applications. Of those applications that have received a decision from the Innovation Unit to date, 48% were deemed invalid as not all the required documentation was provided. Build UK’s guide to Gateway Two sets out the information that must be included within applications for both new and existing Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).
The Government has published guidance to the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations, which will come into force on 6 April 2026. The guidance supports Responsible Persons to develop and implement Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) in all high-rise residential buildings, and in medium-rise buildings which have an evacuation strategy in place.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) is launching a quarterly building safety newsletter, which will include updates on legislation, guidance and remediation progress, and members can sign up to receive it.
The national regulator for construction products, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), is looking for experts to join its Register of Specialists. The register will be used to commission ad-hoc scientific work to support the OPSS, and anyone with knowledge and expertise in civil and structural engineering, fire science, materials science, and associated disciplines is encouraged to apply.
