The Building Safety Regulator has published Q1 2026 data showing its new batching initiative is delivering faster Gateway 2 (building control approval for higher-risk buildings under the Building Safety Act 2022) decisions for developers. The approval rate now stands at 67%, with processing times significantly quicker than the multi-disciplinary model it replaced.

Batching model outperforms previous process

Introduced in September 2025, the batching initiative bundles application packages for external engineering firms to review whilst the BSR retains oversight authority. The model was designed to address the backlog that developed under the previous multi-disciplinary approach.

In the 12 weeks ending 29 March 2026, the BSR made 284 Gateway 2 decisions across all building categories. The 67% approval rate represents substantial progress - BSR Chief Executive Charlie Pugsley attributed the improvement to "better technical consistency and shared learning across the sector".

Median processing times have moved dramatically from 51.5 weeks recorded in July 2025. Whilst the BSR has not published a new median figure, it has described current performance as "significantly quicker", indicating material acceleration.

The Innovation Unit - which oversees higher-risk building applications - received 72 new applications in Q1 and made 31 determinations, producing 19 approvals and 12 rejections. This throughput shows the batching model is managing volume more effectively than previous systems.

Remediation applications accelerating

Gateway 2 approvals are only one part of the BSR's workload. Remediation applications (for buildings with unsafe cladding) have also accelerated substantially. The regulator made 92 remediation decisions in Q1 2026 with a 61% approval rate - a marked shift from the sluggish pace of 2025, when just 228 remediation decisions were made for the entire year.

This acceleration matters for building owners and leaseholders. Remediation decisions determine whether developers must strip and replace flammable cladding on their buildings. Faster decisions reduce the period of uncertainty.

The BSR has also substantially cleared its backlog of legacy cases. These complex applications have been reduced to just 3 outstanding matters, freeing the regulator's resources for the current application pipeline.

What to watch next

The BSR has set five strategic priorities for April 2026 to March 2027: improve operations and processes, support remediation for unsafe cladding, ensure safe construction and Gateway 3 approvals, monitor safety risks and building standards, and enhance professional standards in construction.

For developers pursuing higher-risk building projects in England, the priority on Gateway 3 approvals is worth noting. Gateway 2 is the approval you need before construction begins. Gateway 3 happens when the building is complete - if the BSR tightens Gateway 3 standards this year, it could affect your build specifications today.