Hold-ups on gaining safety regulator approvals for high rise building projects is starting to put workers jobs at risk deep in the supply chain.
Specialist demolition and foundation contractors are warning jobs cut loom as work dries up because developers are struggling to get clearance to start construction.
Since the introduction of the new regulatory framework in April 2024, only a handful of high risk building (HRBs) projects have cleared the approval system known as Gateway 2.
Now the Federation of Piling Specialists has added its voice to calls on government urgently to address delays being caused by the Building Safety Regulator approval process.
Around 92 new build high risk building projects are in the system awaiting approval. A further 18 applications have been invalidated or rejected by the Building Safety Regulator.
Just two new build projects are understood to have cleared the Gateway 2 hurdle in the last year.
The logjam is most acute in London and other urban areas, where projects over seven storeys are stalled, creating a ripple effect across the geotechnical, demolition, and construction supply chains.
The regulator is supposed to clear applications in 12 weeks although project timelines are extending as far a 40 weeks, particularly on big new build schemes.
The Building Safety Regulator argues approval times are coming down and are now on average taking 18 weeks, although the average includes many smaller refurb and retrofit projects.
FPS chair, Malcolm O’Sullivan, said many members were now being forced to consider reducing staff numbers and scaling back investment—actions that threaten to erode core teams and exacerbate existing skills shortages once projects eventually gain approval.
“While we recognise the importance of the BSR’s role in improving building safety, the reality is that approval times of six months or more are simply not viable.
“These delays are undermining investment, recruitment, and the wider stability of the sector.
“More critically, they are jeopardising the Government’s ability to deliver its target of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Without urgent reform, these ambitions will remain out of reach.”
The regulator has blamed delays on a surge of applications last year and poor quality submissions that fail to meet requirements.
The Government and the BSR are being urged to review the process.
Firms want to see clearer and consistent guidance to ensure a streamlined approval process.
They also want more resources channelled into to accelerating approvals and closer working with industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions.
