Journey
New higher-risk building development compliance
Learning path for developers undertaking their first higher-risk building project under the Building Safety Act 2022. Covers the gateway process, golden thread requirements, and handover to the Accountable Person.
Why the Building Safety Act matters for your project
If you are developing a residential building 18 metres or higher (or 7+ storeys), your project falls under the Building Safety Act 2022. This is the most significant reform of building safety regulation since Grenfell - non-compliance is a criminal offence with unlimited fines and imprisonment.
This learning path takes you through each stage of the development process, from checking whether your building qualifies to handing over to the Accountable Person.
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Check if your building is higher-risk
First, determine whether your building meets the legal definition. You need to meet only ONE height threshold, but the building must contain at least 2 residential units.
Building Safety Act compliance overview
Comprehensive guide covering who the Act affects, gateway process, and accountable person duties
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Understand the three gateway process
Your project must pass three mandatory approval gateways. Each requires formal Building Safety Regulator approval before proceeding. Allow the 12-week statutory period for Gateway 2 (8 weeks for work to an existing higher-risk building) and 8 weeks for Gateway 3 in your programme, plus contingency - since the 2025 fast-track reforms most new applications are determined within or close to the statutory period.
Higher-risk building construction requirements
Detailed guidance on gateway timelines, documentation requirements, and programme implications
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Prepare for Gateway 2 (pre-construction)
Gateway 2 is the critical control point. You must submit full designs, fire safety strategy, and construction control plan. The BSR now accepts staged applications (for example, splitting groundworks and foundations from the superstructure), but the design for each stage must be complete and fully coordinated.
gov.uk
Gateway 2 application guidance (opens in a new tab)
Building Safety Regulator guidance on preparing and submitting your Gateway 2 application
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Establish the golden thread
The golden thread is a digital record of building information that must be created from design and maintained throughout the building's lifecycle. Establish your information management system before design work begins.
Golden thread guidance (opens in a new tab)
Government guidance on what information must be recorded and how to maintain it
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Complete Gateway 3 (pre-occupation)
Before anyone can occupy the building, you must obtain a completion certificate. The application must be signed by the client, Principal Designer, AND Principal Contractor - each signs a compliance declaration and is liable for it.
Completion certificate application (opens in a new tab)
Building Safety Regulator guidance on Gateway 3 submission requirements
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Hand over to the Accountable Person
At completion, you must transfer the complete golden thread to whoever will be the Accountable Person (typically the freeholder or management company). They become legally responsible for building safety during occupation.
Accountable Person guidance (opens in a new tab)
Building Safety Regulator guidance on Accountable Person duties and responsibilities
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Register the building with the BSR
The Principal Accountable Person must register the building with the Building Safety Regulator before first occupation. This is separate from Gateway 3 approval - both are required.
Register a higher-risk building (opens in a new tab)
Building Safety Regulator registration service and guidance
Next steps: Ongoing compliance
Once the building is occupied, the Accountable Person takes over responsibility. Developers should ensure they have:
- Transferred all golden thread information in the required digital format
- Provided training to the receiving party on the information management system
- Documented the handover for their own records
Related guidance
Fire door inspections for building safety
Inspection requirements for fire doors in higher-risk buildings
Building Safety Regulator (opens in a new tab)
Building Safety Regulator homepage on GOV.UK with latest guidance and updates