Fire Safety Compliance Update
Industry Update: BS 9991:2024 and Higher-Risk Buildings
Fire Safety Compliance in Higher-Risk Buildings
Fire Safety: A Critical Element in Building Design
Fire safety is a paramount concern in any development. Complying with fire safety regulations not only protects the lives of residents but also safeguards the investment and reputation of developers.
Government Restructure to Improve Fire Safety Oversight
As of 1 April 2025, ministerial responsibility for all fire-related functions has transferred from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This consolidation is intended to enhance coordination and improve the delivery of fire and building safety policies, contributing to safer homes, buildings, and communities. The change reflects a key recommendation from Phase 2 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, which called for fire and building safety to be overseen by a single government department. While MHCLG now leads on these matters, the Home Office will continue to manage the Airwave Service Contract on MHCLG’s behalf and will retain oversight of the Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
New Advisory Note on BS 9991:2024 for Higher-Risk Buildings
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has released a new Advisory Note on BS 9991:2024 – Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Residential Buildings. This guidance is especially relevant for those preparing or reviewing Building Control Approval Applications (BCAAs) for higher-risk buildings (HRBs). It provides clarity following the publication of updated technical standards.
The Advisory Note should be read alongside a letter from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), which outlines how the Regulator will approach BS 9991:2024 in its capacity as a building control authority in England.
Key Resources for Building Control Applications
At BCC Consultancy, we stay at the forefront of regulatory updates, so our clients benefit from expert, up-to-date advice in this evolving landscape.
The guidance can be found following the links below:
Preparing information for a building control approval application - Help with the information you must submit to the BSR when you apply to construct, or carry out building work on, a higher-risk building
Building control approval for higher-risk buildings - How to apply for building control approval from the BSR to construct, or carry out building work on, a higher-risk building
Manage a building control application for a higher-risk building - Use this service to apply for and manage building control applications for higher-risk buildings in England
Making changes to a higher-risk building project - What you must do before changing a project that has been approved by the BSR
Applying for a completion certificate - How to apply for a full or partial completion certificate after building work on a higher-risk building has been completed.
These guidance documents add to the Design and construction of higher-risk buildings Collection. All the above links are available on this page.
Expert Fire Safety Support from BCC Consultancy
At BCC Consultancy, we keep our clients ahead of the curve by staying up to date with the latest regulatory changes. Our consultancy services cover every stage of the development process from early design reviews to final inspections.
Our expert team works collaboratively with developers, architects, and contractors to help ensure compliance with current standards, including BS 9991:2024, while protecting residents and your reputation.
Discover BCC Consultancy's Services
Initial Project Concepts
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Early engagement is something we encourage all our project partners to adopt – from initial feasibility studies through to concepts and draft designs. At this point our approach is to engage with the client and other project stakeholders to outline our role and remit. Define the scope of what we can and can’t offer and where we can potentially add value through our detailed knowledge of Building Regulations and their potential impact on the project and the envisaged timeframes. This advice could be both technical and commercially valuable but paramount will be the goal of putting the project on the right initial path to support compliance with the Building Regulations and enable sufficient detail for the project to make a successful Planning Gateway One application if required.
Design Phases
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This is the stage at which a co-ordinated design really takes shape. Progressing on from a settled concept design, the project is drawn up more clearly in drawing form and developed alongside structural design, building services and a more informed costing exercise. At this point we would continue our engagement with the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) / stakeholder group building on what we / they have learned, discussed previous stages. With progression in design there will likely be updated questions in terms of Building Regs. and some initial questions on structural engineering, fire engineering, access and energy and sustainability.
Gateway Submissions
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Gateway submissions can be a complex process, but with BCC Consultancy, you can rest assured that your project is in good hands. From the review of the design we will offer advice and guidance regards the project and potential compliance against Building Regs. This may impact in terms of progressing to Gateway 2 - whether that can be taken forward or whether there may need to be a re-look at the technical and commercial side of the project. This could have significant impact on both timeframes and costings. The production of the Gateway 2 application will be evaluated. There may be elements identified at this stage which need to be updated in terms of specification, costing, resourcing and timeframes. Our expert team will work closely with you to prepare and submit all the necessary paperwork to ensure that your project meets all relevant regulations and standards.
Site Inspections and Audits
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This is the stage where construction begins on site. At this point our approach is to remain engaged with the client and other project stakeholders to provide an oversight role with regards to the Building Control elements / requirements of the project. Our site inspections and audits are designed to ensure that all aspects of your project meet the highest standards of safety and compliance. We provide a comprehensive range of services, including risk assessment, safety critical inspections, quality control, and verification of compliance with relevant regulations and codes.
Regulatory and Legal Advice
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Navigating the many regulations and legal requirements can be a daunting task for any building project. Let us help you. We offer expert regulatory and legal advice to support compliance.
CPD and Training
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At BCC Consultancy, we believe in continuous development and investing in our team's knowledge and skills. That's why we offer a range of professional development and training opportunities for our staff to ensure they stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and standards.