Firntec | Gateway Applications

Under the Building Safety Act 2022 and associated regulations, certain building works undertaken on existing Higher-Risk Buildings in England require building control approval from the BSR. For existing HRBs, the Gateway process is particularly relevant to projects involving significant refurbishment, structural alterations, fire safety improvements and remediation works. These projects present additional challenges, including incomplete building records, legacy construction methods, existing fire safety deficiencies and the need to undertake works within occupied buildings.

Preparing Your Project for Gateway 2

Gateway 2 is a critical stage for relevant building works undertaken on existing Higher-Risk Buildings. Before work can commence, the applicant must obtain the appropriate building control approval from the Building Safety Regulator.

Unlike new developments, works to existing buildings often require a detailed understanding of the current building condition, existing fire safety arrangements and how proposed alterations may affect overall compliance.

Firntec provides technical building safety support to help project teams establish a clear understanding of their building and can submit the application on your behalf or help develop the documentation required for Gateway 2 applications.

Completion & Compliance Evidence for Gateway 3

In Scotland, the Single Building Assessment Programme is managed through a Single Open Call process. This initiative allows building owners, factors and residents’ associations to register their buildings for assessment under a government backed scheme. Once accepted, the Scottish Government funds a qualified and approved assessor such as Firntec to carry out a full SBA.

The Single Open Call is designed to ensure fairness, transparency and prioritisation of buildings with potential life critical safety concerns. Firntec supports clients through every stage of the process from preparing the initial submission to delivering the full technical assessment and liaising with government appointed reviewers. This approach ensures that building owners receive clear, consistent outcomes that support safe occupation and future lending confidence.

Our Gateway Support Services:

Existing Building Assessments

Reviewing existing fire safety arrangements, available documentation and building conditions to identify potential compliance issues.

Fire Strategy Development & Review

Preparing or reviewing fire strategies to reflect proposed works and their interaction with existing fire safety measures.

Compliance Gap Analysis

Whether you’re working on a new construction project or renovating a building, it’s crucial to ensure that all fire safety measures are followed during design, planning, and construction.

Fire Safety Technical Documentation

Preparing specialist assessments, reports and supporting evidence for Gateway 2 applications.

Fire Engineering Consultancy

Whether you’re working on a new construction project or renovating a building, it’s crucial to ensure that all fire safety measures are followed during design, planning, and construction.

Design & Remediation Reviews

Assessing proposed refurbishment, alteration and fire safety remediation works to identify potential compliance concerns.

Why Choose Firntec for Gateway Applications?

Expertise in Building Compliance

Our consultants understand the challenges associated with assessing and improving existing building stock, including incomplete records, legacy construction and complex fire safety arrangements.

Specialist Fire Safety Knowledge

Our wider expertise in fire risk assessments, FRAEWs, fire strategies and building safety consultancy provides valuable technical insight when supporting Gateway applications.

Support Across Both Gateways

From assessing existing conditions and proposed works through to reviewing completed projects, we provide continuity throughout the Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 process.

Identifying Compliance Gaps Early

We help project teams identify missing information, potential design conflicts and fire safety concerns before they affect project progress.

Working Alongside Your Project Team

We collaborate with building owners, principal designers, contractors and other stakeholders to coordinate technical information and support the application process.

Do Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 apply to existing buildings?

Yes. The Gateway approval process applies to relevant building work undertaken on existing Higher-Risk Buildings in England, not just new developments. Depending on the nature of the proposed works, building control approval from the BSR may be required before construction begins, followed by completion certification.

What types of refurbishment works require Gateway 2 approval?

Building work within the scope of the HRB building control regime can include certain structural alterations, refurbishment, fire safety remediation and other works controlled under building regulations. The precise application requirements depend on the nature of the work, including whether it qualifies as Category A work, Category B work or work covered by another applicable procedure.

Can fire safety remediation works require a Gateway application?

Yes. Certain fire safety remediation projects within existing HRBs may require BSR building control approval. This can include relevant works to external walls, compartmentation and other fire safety measures, depending on their scope and classification.

What documentation is required for Gateway 2?

Requirements vary depending on the type of application, but can include detailed drawings, compliance statements, fire safety information, design documentation and prescribed management arrangements. Existing building information and assessments may also be important in demonstrating how the proposed works will comply with relevant requirements.

What is required at Gateway 3 for an existing HRB?

Where the completion certificate process applies, the applicant must provide prescribed information and declarations demonstrating that the relevant works comply with building regulations. This can include as-built information, change control records and supporting evidence of compliance.

Can Firntec help with both Gateway 2 and Gateway 3 applications?

Yes. Firntec provides specialist fire safety consultancy, technical assessments, documentation reviews and supporting evidence for both stages. We work alongside applicants and statutory duty holders to support the process, with final approval decisions remaining the responsibility of the BSR.

Gateway Application Support from Firntec

Whether you're planning fire safety remediation, undertaking refurbishment works or preparing for completion certification, Firntec can support your project through the technical requirements of Gateway 2 and Gateway 3.

Our experience working across the UK allows us to help identify compliance concerns, develop supporting documentation and provide practical fire safety expertise throughout the application process.

Speak to our specialists about your Higher-Risk Building project and how we can support your Gateway applications.

Gateway Applications