Approvals process for high-rise remediations will also be streamlined but definition of higher risk buildings to remain the same
The government has announced plans to establish a single construction regulator and has launched a consultation to seek industry feedback.
Proposals to bring together oversight of buildings, materials and professionals from across the built environment were one of the key recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry’s final report, which was published in September last year.
The plan aims to reduce fragmentation and unnecessary complexity in the way the construction of buildings is regulated in order to improve public safety.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said the new model will increase “clarity and certainty for industry and investors and a fairer system that benefits those who prioritise safety and quality”.
The department has also set out plans to simplify some parts of the building control process for remediation projects on tall residential buildings to avoid what it admitted had been “disproportionate time and cost requirements” in getting sign off from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
MHCLG has launched a consultation today on the proposed single regulator which will run until 20 March next year with a full government response to feedback to be published in summer next year.
BSR executive chair Andy Roe said progress towards a single regulator was a “decisive and important step in strengthening building safety”.
He added: “Over the past few months, we have worked hard to speed up the application processes within the BSR for new high-rise residential buildings and are already seeing positive changes.
“The BSR’s role will evolve as we move to a new body, and in longer time toward the Single Regulator, through a carefully managed transition.
“Throughout this process, we will continue our commitment to collaboration, and delivering a regulatory system that keeps residents safe, and supports essential construction.”
Interim chief construction advisor Thouria Istephan, said: “This prospectus is the starting point for reform which delivers on the Grenfell Inquiry’s call for systemic change.
“The creation of a single construction regulator will replace a fragmented system with one that prioritises safety, accountability, and clarity – integrating oversight of buildings, products, and professions.
“It’s about protecting lives, rebuilding trust, and fostering a culture where responsibility, accountability and quality come first”.
A separate consultation will launch in the new year on plans to “improve the proportionality” of the BSR approvals process for remediation works on higher risk buildings, those classed as 18m or above and containing at least two dwellings.
“Action is urgently needed to ensure the regime is proportionate while continuing to uphold essential building safety and quality standards,” MHCLG said.
The department admitted that operation of the current regime has resulted in some “unintended consequences, notably the challenges faced by applicants in getting swift BSR approval for routine yet essential types of building work to existing higher-risk buildings”.
The BSR itself has also published its review of the definition of higher risk buildings (HRBs), with the government accepting the regulator’s recommendation not to change the scope of the definition.
The BSR said the current definition “appropriately reflects the available evidence on risks to individuals from the spread of fire and structural failure”. It added it will continue to review the definition based on the latest data and evidence to determine whether the types of buildings subject to tighter regulatory oversight should be amended.
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