“Work suspended on 50 higher-risk building projects” reports RICS

While those directly affected will be aware of the suspension of their projects, this “immediate and substantial” increase in the Building Safety Regulator’s workload is likely to cause delays across the wider profession.

The suspended projects are those categorised as higher-risk and include high-rise buildings spanning at least seven floors or reaching at least 18 metres in height and two residential units or care homes and hospitals.
In light of AIS Surveyors’ liquidation, and the greater level of scrutiny required on these projects, the Building Safety Regulator is forced to intervene by validating applications on the affected projects before construction work can continue.

The Building Safety Regulator has also highlighted issues relating to Assent BC, another private Building Control service provider, which may further impact its service delivery.

Support for RICS members

To support its members during this potentially challenging period, the RICS has provided a summary of the situation and some advice for those impacted.

The pause affects specific ‘in-flight’ projects which were going through approvals with the private Building Control company prior to the new legislation coming into force in October 2023. Affected projects will need to apply to the Health and Safety Regulator/Building Safety Regulator and stop work until they have validated applications.

The capacity of the Building Safety Regulator (and associated supporting registered Building Control approvers will be reduced with immediate effect while they process and prioritise applications for these ‘in-flight’ projects in order to help mitigate increased project timelines and budgets.

RICS surveyors should consider how this may affect them, their clients or others owed a Duty of Care:

*Project review: Identify whether any ongoing or upcoming projects fall under the high-risk category as defined by the Building Safety Regulator and review all project timelines to identify the potential impact of reduced Building Safety Regulator and registered Building Control approvers capacity on projects

*Compliance check: Ensure all documentation and building safety measures meet the current regulatory requirements. Support the Building Control profession by ensuring high competence in design work with compliant submissions. Prepare for potential inspections or reviews by the Building Safety Regulator, registered Building Control approvers and individual registered building inspectors

*Client and stakeholder communication: Proactively inform clients and stakeholders about the suspension and its implications. Discuss revised timelines and any necessary adjustments to project plans with the project team.

*Stay informed: Keep abreast of updates from the Building Safety Regulator and other relevant authorities. Timely information will be crucial in navigating the regulatory landscape

Challenges and disruption

The RICS fully understands that this pause might present challenges and disruptions for members. However, it’s a necessary step to ensure the safety and integrity of the built environment. Indeed, the RICS actively supports the Building Safety Regulator with its important work.

Further, the RICS encourages the wider profession to be understanding of the unique stresses in the registered building inspector/Building Control sector at this time of significant legislative and procedural change.

The Construction Leadership Council and the Building Safety Regulator have held talks regarding the backlog and delays in Building Control applications. It’s understood that further resources will be made available by the Building Safety Regulator, which has experienced a higher than expected number of high-risk building applications. The duo also cite a high number of applications which are incomplete or unclear, making them unsuitable for approval.