The Building Safety Regulator has reported another improvement in Gateway 2 performance, with approvals now reaching 71% across the latest 12 week period to 1 May 2026.
The latest BSR data shows 323 Gateway 2 decisions were made during the period, up from 284 in the previous update. This matters because Gateway 2 is one of the key approval stages for higher-risk building work. Developers, contractors, housing providers and design teams need approval before construction can begin on relevant projects.
Why the Gateway 2 Improvement Matters
The rise from 67% to 71% suggests that the BSR is starting to make faster progress through its caseload. It does not mean every issue has disappeared however, the figures do show a more positive direction. The BSR said the latest data shows “continued positive momentum” in decision making, helped by its Innovation Unit and closer work with applicants on more complex cases.
The update is especially important for the wider housing sector. Gateway 2 delays have been a major concern for developers and housing providers, particularly where schemes involve high-rise residential buildings. Faster decisions can help unlock homes, support remediation work and give project teams more certainty.
Complex Remediation Cases
A key part of the improvement relates to complex remediation projects. The BSR has been focusing on older and more difficult applications, especially those linked to existing buildings.
According to the latest update, 24 out of 33 complex Innovation Unit applications were approved. The number of legacy cases with major technical barriers has also fallen, leaving eight remaining files. That is still eight too many if you are stuck inside one of those projects, but it is progress.
The BSR has also been working through older remediation cases. Legacy remediation applications from 2024 have dropped from 42 at the start of 2026 to 20. A further 12 applications were expected to be decided by mid-May 2026.
Gateway 2 Remediation Plan Shows Early Progress
The BSR’s external remediation improvement plan is designed to reduce delays and improve how remediation applications are managed. The regulator has said it wants to bring its remediation caseload down to a steady level of 80 to 100 cases by 30th September 2026.
This is important for residents, building owners and project teams. Remediation work is often complex, costly and urgent. A smoother Gateway 2 process should help responsible organisations move safety work forward without lowering standards.
What Gateway 2 Progress Means for Building Safety
Acting BSR chief executive Charlie Pugsley has welcomed the faster decision making, while making clear that speed must not come at the expense of safety. That balance is the point. Faster approvals are useful only if they still protect residents and improve confidence in the system.
For building safety professionals, the message is simple: better prepared applications are more likely to move. Strong evidence, clear design information and early engagement with the regulator still matter.
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