Gateway 3 Delays Slow Contract Completion

One of the most discussed issues in the construction of new builds is the growing number of delays at Gateway 3, the final approval stage before a building can be occupied.

According to the findings of freedom of information (FOI) request submitted by law firm Irwin Mitchell, across 44 schemes that have been delayed for over three months, 5,594 completed units are ready for residents but sitting empty. This includes one case that has been waiting for 550 days, or 18 months.

Gateway 3 is the final building safety approval stage for higher-risk buildings, typically residential buildings over 18 metres or at least seven storeys high. It forms part of a three-stage regulatory process overseen by the Building Safety Regulator.

The introduction of the Building Safety Act and the new regulatory approval process for high-risk buildings has significantly changed the UK construction industry. The gateway system was introduced to strengthen safety standards following major building safety concerns in the UK. However, the process is complex and still evolving.

Industry professionals warn that Gateway 3 delays are creating financial pressure, slowing housing delivery, and disrupting construction programmes. Delays may disrupt project planning and handovers, increase cash flows problems and contract disputes, and create investor uncertainty that could threaten project viability. For finishing trades like contract flooring, retention payments are a key challenge, and a long-term progression of projects is necessary to keep installing flooring safely, efficiently and competently.