Plans to reform the BSR were recently laid out by the government, which include the introduction of a ‘fast track process’ to enhance applications reviews.

Further investment will also be made available for the BSR, which was formed by the Building Safety Act 2022, to hire over 100 additional members of staff.

Propertymark has welcomed such announcements but is urging for these to be backed up with action.

The group has highlighted the complex nature of the UK’s planning system, with investment and greater resources required in local authority planning departments to help alleviate such blockages.

•   The Finance Professional Show 2024: The Video
•   Govt sets out BSR reforms to speed up high-rise housing approvals
•   BPF welcomes BSR reform

Acknowledging the role the Grenfell disaster has played in such reforms, with these changes a direct outcome from the latest Grenfell Inquiry Report, Propertymark has stressed that tougher regulations must be “practical in application”.

According to the group, this means giving smaller builders, housing associations and local authorities better access to guidance and support.

“While the changes are designed to speed up approvals, Propertymark warns that unless delivery is prioritised, the reforms risk becoming little more than headline promises, and developers won’t be stuck in limbo under the new approach,” an announcement from Propertymark read.

“Developers and planners have repeatedly flagged the BSR as a key bottleneck in the system.

“Delays at Gateway 2 are pushing up costs and forcing project pauses, often with no clear timelines for resolution.”