Accelerated approval path now available for self-builders navigating building regulations approval process
The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has announced a new fast-track process for building regulations approvals, aimed at significantly reducing approval timelines for self-builders and providing enhanced support. The reform is part of a wider effort to address longstanding delays and difficulties faced by self-builders in securing timely approval.
Key features of the fast-track process include:
1. **Faster approval timelines:** The BSR is embedding over 100 new inspectors and engineers directly within its teams, reducing wait times for assembling review teams. This could potentially cut Gateway 2 (building control) submissions review times from several months down to just weeks for self-builders.
2. **Multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs):** Under this fast-track, MDTs comprising regulatory leads, case officers, inspectors, and engineers are directly managed within the BSR. These teams will actively engage early with self-builders to help resolve compliance issues promptly rather than simply rejecting plans.
3. **Proactive support:** These teams will provide hands-on support to applicants, aiming to smooth the application process instead of passively reviewing and invalidating submissions.
4. **Improved clarity and communication:** The BSR plans to increase engagement and share clearer guidance on application requirements, including detailed document checklists to avoid common errors that cause delays.
The fast-track process prioritizes new-build applications, including self-builds, and is part of the Government's latest planning reforms. The BSR's structural reform also aims to provide greater consistency in the building approval process.
Minister for Building Safety Alex Norris emphasizes that the reforms prioritize resident safety while creating a system that works effectively for the sector. The BSR's establishment has been fundamental in centralizing safety in the construction process, and it's time to build on that precedent, according to Norris.
It's important to note that the BSR's fast-track process does not offer free tickets to Homebuilding & Renovating Shows. However, self-builders can expect much shorter approval wait times and more direct, expert support, making it easier and faster to progress from planning to building under the new fast-track process.
Sources: [1] GOV.UK (2023). Building Safety Regulator Introduces Fast-Track Process for Self-Builders. [online] Available at:
- The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is embarking on a reform that incorporates a fast-track process for building regulations approvals, aiming to reduce approval timelines for self-builders by leveraging over 100 new inspectors and engineers.
- This new fast-track process involves the formation of multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) within the BSR, which will proactively engage with self-builders to help resolve compliance issues promptly, instead of simply rejecting plans.
- To further improve the process, the BSR plans to provide clearer guidance on application requirements, including detailed document checklists, to reduce common errors that cause delays.
- As part of the government's planning reforms, the fast-track process prioritizes new-build applications, including self-builds, and strives to provide greater consistency in the building approval process, while maintaining a focus on resident safety.
