Further information regarding the statutory Gateway Three process has been published by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR)
Described as the “most critical checkpoint” of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) and the final safety gate before occupation, Gateway Three requires developers to be able to demonstrate that a building complies with all the relevant parts of building regulations and is ready for residents to occupy.
This involves submitting a completion certificate application to the regulator, supported by “robust evidence”. It must include:
- as-built drawings
- fire and structural safety documentation
- the ‘golden thread’ of information – a digital record showing the building meets all relevant legal requirements
- a declaration confirming that the golden thread information has been received by those responsible
- evidence of change control – showing that any design changes since Gateway Two were properly assessed and managed.
As stated by the BSR, the completion process is “a legally binding checkpoint determining whether a residential higher-risk building – defined as residential or mixed-use blocks above 18 metres or seven storeys – can be occupied.
“Without Building Safety Regulator (BSR) approval, no resident can legally move in. Moving people in beforehand is a criminal offence.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) added: “On paper, a high-rise building (HRB) may appear to comply with the regulations. But only by scrutinising the as-built evidence can we be certain residents living in these buildings will be properly protected.”
The BSR stated that this final gateway marks a “real step change for the sector”.
“Because occupation cannot legally take place without Gateway Three approval, any unresolved safety-critical issues remain a live risk.
“A building may appear finished from the outside. But until every check is passed and certified, it is not ready for residents.
“This represents a cultural shift as much as a regulatory one. Completion certificates are no longer a formality. They are a final test of evidence, competence and accountability.”
The regime is still relatively new, with few projects having reached this final stage.
As of early September 2025, only 16 Gateway Three applications for new-build higher-risk buildings have been submitted. Nine of these have been approved and issued with completion certificates, while seven remain under review.
“Some applications have moved through quickly, demonstrating what a well-prepared submission can achieve,” the regulator said.
“Others have required additional information before assessment could progress.”
The regulator added: “This early experience is helping both developers and BSR to refine the process – ensuring it is consistent, efficient and firmly focused on safety outcomes.”
Common reasons for slow applications include incomplete evidence, weak change control records, discrepancies between drawings and site reality, and system integration issues.
More information about Gateway Three can be found here.