Published: Friday 27 October 2023
If you live in a high-rise building and are planning alterations to your flat, be aware that the application process has changed.
In the past you may have needed Building Regulations approval from the Building Control approval service provider team before undertaking building works such as minor or major changes to your flat, altering its internal layout or installing a new fire doorset.
On 1 October 2023, this process changed for all flats in higher-risk buildings (HRBs); in this instance, ‘higher-risk’ is defined as a building with seven or more storeys, or that is 18 metres or more high.
All applications for building works must now be made to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which sits within the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The BSR will administer the approval of applications, inspections and sign-offs. Building works in an HRB may not commence until approval has been granted by the BSR.
More information can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/building-safety/regulator.htm Please ensure you familiarise yourself with these new requirements and procedures which should be followed.
The building control application form for higher-risk buildings can be found here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/manage-a-building-control-application-for-a-higher-risk-building