Gateway 2 and Remediation Approval Rates Rise

The Building Safety Regulator’s (BSR) latest data for the 12-week rolling period to 5 October 2026 shows overall gateway 2 application approvals rose to 87%, up from the previous period (84%), with 20,471 residential units clearing the gateway.

Over the same period, existing building remediation approvals also climbed to 87% nationally (up from 32% 12 months prior) and 96% in London.

For new higher-risk buildings (HRBs) and conversions, the approval rate has risen to 96% (55 approvals out of 57 decisions) with a median approval time of 23 weeks for 11,822 units. In London, approvals stood at 97% with a 22-week median approval time for 6,855 units.

In other areas, BSR’s approval rates rose similarly:

• Existing building remediation: approvals stood at 87%, exceeding BSR’s annual target of 65% and equating to 8,649 units. In London, approvals stood at 96% (52 approvals and 4,643 units).
• NHS applications: Approvals reached 81% nationally with 21 approvals from 26 decisions.

More recently, BSR has activated contingency plans to deal with an expected surge of applications received before the Building Safety Levy coming into force on 1 October.

These contingency plans introduce additional levels of scrutiny prior to rejection, alongside a triage mechanism that will ensure that applications are progressed.

BSR says, “Applications that are rejected will be those where we see no realistic path to an approval within a reasonable time period.”

New Build Inspection

BSR adds its inspection programme has uncovered a small number of examples where building work has not conformed with agreed designs and required some remedial work.

BSR says it will “monitor this closely and will take a robust position where appropriate, to help ensure that safe designs are translated into safe buildings.”

Regulatory Momentum

Charlie Pugsley, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Building Safety Regulator, said: “Our latest performance figures demonstrate strong regulatory momentum, with overall gateway 2 approvals reaching 87% and clearing more than 20,000 residential units alongside significant numbers of vital NHS healthcare facility improvements.

“Approval rates for safe designs are high, while determination times continue to reduce significantly across both new builds and remediation projects, reflecting the positive impact of our streamlined operational pathways.

“However, we are not complacent and continue to engage with the sector to improve performance and ensure safe outcomes.”

For more detailed breakdowns, see Building Safety Regulator building control approval application data.

>> Read more about Gateway 2 in the news