A New Era of Building Safety: The Building Safety Regulator Takes the Reins

Summary

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has assumed the role of Building Control Authority for higher-risk buildings in England. This shift aims to enhance building safety and ensure accountability throughout the lifecycle of these structures. The change requires developers to apply to the BSR for approval before starting construction and comply with stringent regulations.

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Main Story

Okay, so things have really changed when it comes to building safety in England. You see, as of October 1st, 2023, the Building Safety Regulator, or BSR, is now officially in charge of building control for higher-risk buildings, or HRBs. It’s a pretty big deal, actually. This change comes straight from the Building Safety Act 2022, and it’s all about making sure that high-rise residential buildings, hospitals, and care homes are built and managed much more safely. And it’s about time, I say!

So what exactly counts as a “higher-risk” building these days? Well, the definition has gotten broader. We’re not just talking about skyscrapers anymore. Now, it includes any new residential building over 18 meters or seven stories, that’s got at least two residential units. Plus, hospitals and care homes that meet that same height requirement are also included. I mean, it makes sense, right? It’s about addressing risks in more places where, let’s be honest, things could go terribly wrong.

What’s Changed for the Construction Industry

This shift has some major implications for the industry. First up, developers don’t get to pick their building control body for HRBs anymore. Nope. All applications for new construction, renovations, even just changing the use of a building, involving HRBs? Gotta go straight to the BSR. It’s a centralized process now and, honestly, probably a good thing for consistency.

Also, you need BSR approval before you even THINK about starting work on an HRB. It’s like having a really strict teacher checking your homework before you hand it in. This proactive step, they say, allows the BSR to assess projects early on and make sure they’re sticking to all the safety rules from day one. Makes sense doesn’t it? Plus the Building Safety Act 2022? Puts a whole lotta new responsibilities on everyone involved, from the designers to the people living there, you’ve got to show you are complying, and prove it. They are not messing around.

And lastly, thanks to the BSR being the central authority, there’s much more oversight. It’s really about establishing clear lines of responsibility throughout a building’s life cycle. You know, making sure someone’s accountable for safety, from the first blueprint to the day someone moves in, and beyond.

How the BSR Works

The BSR’s got a pretty cool approach. They use these multi-disciplinary teams, or MDTs. These teams are made up of registered building inspectors and other experts, like structural engineers and fire safety specialists – basically, the folks you want double-checking everything. These MDTs do a deep dive into building control applications, making sure every aspect of safety gets looked at. These teams offer regulatory advice, do inspections and even guide how building inspections are scheduled, they’re really hands on. Plus, they’re the main point of contact for applicants, making sure communication flows smoothly throughout the process. They even review completion certificates to make sure the building was built according to regulations.

Where Did This Come From?

So, where did all this come from? Well it all started from the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt, in her report, “Building a Safer Future” , after the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Her report basically showed how broken the old building safety system was and called for some pretty radical changes.

It’s a massive shift, going from self-regulation to a much more strict approach to safety. With the BSR at the helm, and this big focus on compliance, the goal here is to prevent more tragedies and make sure we can all feel safe about our homes.

The Future

The BSR taking over the building control role is a critical step towards a safer England, there’s no doubt. Sure, there might be bumps along the way, it’s a big transition. But honestly, I think it’s a fantastic opportunity to create a culture of responsibility and really work together to make buildings safer and better for everyone. That’s what it’s about, right? And as of January 18, 2025, this info is accurate, however, do keep in mind things change, and I wouldn’t be surprised if further changes and updates are coming as the BSR refines its processes and the new regulations settle.