The height of a building is measured from the lowest external ground level to the highest occupied storey’s finished floor level. It does not include roof structures unless they contain occupied spaces.
Roof gardens are not considered part of the building height measurement.
The lease should make clear who owns the fire door to the specific flat property. This typically is the case if the fire door / flat door forms part of the demised property, the specific property which is owned by the flat owner.
This can be downloaded here: Firntec – Mandatory Occurence Reporting Workflow
Yes, the BSR is responsible for issuing BACs, though there may be delays in processing. If you are awaiting a certificate, it is recommended to check directly with the BSR for updates on issuance and processing timelines. We have heard that the BSR has issued some BACs, however we do acknowledge that the process has been slow so far and a low amount have been delivered.
There have been reports of extended processing times for BSR applications. Delays due to backlogs, incomplete applications, or regulatory review complexities. We would advise following up with the BSR for specific case updates. Average waiting times are approx. 16-24 weeks currently.
Yes, the key to understanding when you will need to apply for a gateway 2 app is understanding what “building works” are and aren’t, as a Gateway 2 application will be required for any “building works”. This is currently defined within Building Regulations 2010 and can be found in full here
New HRBs must be registered with the BSR before occupation. However, a Building Control Approval application will be required before construction, which will need to be submitted and approved by the BSR before construction starts, these are 2 different processes but equally as important.
We believe this is likely to increase project costs due to higher insurance premiums and risk mitigation measures which will likely be passed on to customers to ensure jobs remain profitable and therefore feasible for building companies.
There should be clear invoicing and audit measures in place for BSR-related costs. If there is a lack of transparency, it is advisable to request a detailed breakdown of charges and challenge any discrepancies through the appropriate channels. The BSR is a government body and therefore FOI requests apply so, if you are unsure how to do so then there’s a great link here
The BSR typically expects updates rather than entirely new applications if delays occur. However, if there are significant changes to the scope of work, a fresh submission may be required. It is advisable to communicate with the BSR to confirm the best course of action.
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