Building control timeline
This timeline provides a guide for applicants navigating the building control process with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). It outlines each stage, from application validation to issuing decisions, offering clarity on the expected steps and potential timescales.
The timeline also includes useful links to resources and guidance to support you through each phase of your application.
Validating an application
Once you have submitted and paid for your application, The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will review all the documentation that you have submitted.
This is to ensure you have made a valid application and we have all information needed to start the formal assessment process.
If there is any further information we need, we will contact you and ask you to provide it.
If no other information is needed, we will let you know in writing that your application is valid and can move onto the assessment stage. This part of the process can take up to 5 working days.
If we inform you that the application is not a valid submission, you will need to resubmit it.
Ensuring all necessary information is included is crucial for a smoother process.
Securing professional expertise: Appointing a Multi-Disciplinary Team
After an application has been validated, a BSR internal Regulatory Lead will need to appoint independent external professionals, such as Fire Safety Inspectors, Structural Engineers and Registered Building Inspectors.
This is known as a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Creating this team of people to review your application can take time. We will update you when we have secured the most appropriate people to review your application.
Initial MDT meeting: Reviewing submitted information
The MDT will take time to review all the information you provided and will meet to discuss the next steps. You will be contacted if any additional information is required.
There may be interim MDT meetings to review new information as it becomes available. This may need to happen several times.
This is an important part of the process to ensure all aspects of the construction are fully considered by the relevant experts.
Final MDT meeting: Confirming requirements have been met
The MDT will meet for a final time to confirm that all requirements of the application have been met. And that the design and construction is deemed safe to continue.
This is the last step in an ongoing dialogue that will have been happening over several weeks. When you may also have been asked to provide additional information to the process.
Fire Safety consultations
In some cases, we may need to conduct a Fire Safety Consultation. We will write to you to let you know if, and when, this begins.
Issuing a decision
Once the MDT has completed its assessment, BSR’s regulatory lead will issue a decision.
If the decision is made to approve the application, you will be issued with an authority to proceed.
It is only at this stage that you can commence works on your construction.
Timescales for processing applications
BSR aims to process all applications within 12 weeks. However, due to the complexity of the build, periods of high demand or the quality of application, we may need to write to you to request an extension.
We do acknowledge there have been delays to processing approvals for building control applications and we have worked to put this right.
Important
BSR is unable to give design and/or structural advice in relation to your application. For any advice of this nature please consult your architect or structural engineer.
Want to know more?
Visit our online guide to Building Control applications, with a range of useful links, webinars and FAQs – The Building Control Authority – Making Buildings Safer
BSR in action: Regulating higher-risk buildings in England: What does the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) do as the Building Control Authority – and how are we helping to keep higher-risk buildings safe?
A to Z of building safety
To find out more about any terms or organisations used on this page, refer to our A to Z of building safety glossary.