28 May 2021
The government is bringing forward changes that will improve building and fire safety, so that people will be, and will feel, safer in their homes.
The Building Safety Bill was published in draft form last year, but it was confirmed in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday 11 May that it would now be brought forward. The Bill will introduce a new regulatory regime, overseen by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), to enhance the fire and structural safety of new and existing residential buildings.
The legislation will also introduce a system of ‘gateways’ for HSE approval before residential development can proceed. Although the new regime is not expected to enter into force until 2023, the government announced that gateway one would be introduced from 1 August 2021 by way of amendments to the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), and an associated instrument.
Written by:
Lorna Williams