Passing Gateway 3 requires developers to show that a higher risk building is genuinely safe and fully compliant before anyone can move in. At this stage, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) checks the complete package of evidence including accurate as-built drawings, fire and structural safety documents, the digital golden thread, and a clear record of all design changes since Gateway 2. If any of this information is missing or inconsistent, the regulator cannot approve the building. Without approval, no resident can legally move in. Moving people in in breach is a criminal offence. Early experience shows that incomplete submissions are a major cause of delays.
To avoid problems, developers should build Gateway 3 preparation into the project from the outset. This means capturing information in real time, keeping all safety documents up to date, and ensuring the golden thread is complete and well organised. Many delays arise because evidence is scattered across contractors, held in non-digital formats, or not aligned with what was actually built. Using structured digital systems for drawings, certificates and change control records helps ensure that the final submission is consistent and easy for the regulator to verify.
Gateway 3 also tests whether the project team has met its competency and governance duties. Developers should carry out internal checks before submitting, confirm that accountable persons have formally received and understood the golden thread information, and ensure all changes during construction were properly assessed and documented. Well prepared submissions are processed far more quickly, whereas weaker ones remain under review for extended periods, creating a serious risk, given that no occupation is allowed until approval is granted. Treating Gateway 3 as a critical project milestone, rather than an end of build task, is key to avoiding commercial and programme disruption.
Our team can help you navigate these changes by assessing where potential exposure lies, advising on BSR processes, and assisting in ensuring your project governance and documentation align with the evolving safety regime.
Find out more about the Gateway 3 backlog for higher risk buildings.