Key points
- Higher-risk buildings are at least 18m high or 7 storeys, with at least 2 residential units.
- The statutory decision period is up to 12 weeks for a new HRB and 8 weeks for work to an existing HRB. In July to September 2026, the median approval time for new builds was 23 weeks.
- On relevant buildings, balconies are specified attachments under Regulation 7(2), so their materials must be Class A1 or A2-s1,d0 (with limited exemptions).
- Changes after approval go through change control. Major changes need the Regulator's approval before the work goes ahead.
What Gateway 2 is
Gateway 2 is the building control approval stage for higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022. Applications go to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), not to a local authority or registered building control approver. Work must not start until approval is granted. Approval lapses if work has not started within 3 years.
Timescales and fees
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory decision period, new HRB | Up to 12 weeks | GOV.UK |
| Statutory decision period, existing HRB | Up to 8 weeks | GOV.UK |
| Median approval time, new builds (Jul–Sep 2026) | 23 weeks | BSR published data |
| Application fee (from 1 April 2026) | £195 plus hourly charges | GOV.UK |
| Change control application fee | £195 | GOV.UK |
| Completion certificate application fee | £234 | GOV.UK |
Plan the metalwork design programme around the realistic approval time, not only the statutory period.
What metalwork packages contribute
- General arrangement and setting-out drawings, and fixing details
- Structural calculations: barrier loads to BS EN 1991-1-1 / BS 6180, plus wind
- Fire classification of balcony components to BS EN 13501-1, showing compliance with Regulation 7(2) where it applies
- Product data and specifications: glass, aluminium, steel, coatings, fixings
- Drainage and waterproofing interfaces (BS 8579 gives guidance on balconies and terraces)
- How each item complies with Approved Documents B, K and M
Changes after approval
Once the application is approved, changes are recorded and managed through change control. Major changes need the Regulator's approval before the work goes ahead. Settling balcony and balustrade design early, including the actual products, avoids applications and delays later.
Golden thread and handover
Information about the building as built must be kept as the golden thread. For metalwork, this usually means as-built drawings, product data, fire classifications, test certificates and maintenance information.
Checklist for main contractors
- Is the building higher-risk? (Height, storeys, residential units)
- Has the metalwork designer been appointed early enough to feed the application?
- Are balcony materials and fire classifications confirmed against Regulation 7(2)?
- Who holds design responsibility for the balustrades and their fixings?
- How will changes be captured for change control?
Sources
- Building control approval for higher-risk buildings (GOV.UK)
- Preparing information for a building control approval application (GOV.UK)
- Manage a building control application for a higher-risk building (GOV.UK)
- The Building (Higher-Risk Buildings Procedures) (England) Regulations 2023
- The Building Regulations 2010, regulation 7
- Approved Document B: fire safety (GOV.UK)
General guidance only, not design advice for a specific project. Check the current edition of each document.