The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) is calling on the UK's government to address delays caused by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) approval process on project commencement. These delays, which extend far beyond the anticipated 12-week timeline, are placing severe strain on the geotechnical and wider construction sectors, particularly affecting high-rise, commercial, and residential developments.

Since the introduction of the new regulatory framework in April 2024, only a limited number of projects have received approval, leaving FPS members frustrated by prolonged delays in design finalisation and a lack of incoming work. The situation is particularly acute in London and other urban areas, where projects over seven storeys are stalled, creating a ripple effect across the geotechnical, demolition, and construction supply chains.

Industry at risk from prolonged delays

While the FPS fully supports the principles of the Building Safety Act and the role of the BSR in ensuring improved safety and accountability, the current approval process is proving unsustainable. Many FPS members are now being forced to consider reducing staff numbers and scaling back investment—actions that threaten to erode core teams and exacerbate existing skills shortages once projects eventually gain approval.

These delays are undermining investment

FPS chair, Malcolm O'Sullivan, said: "While we recognise the importance of the BSR's role in improving building safety, the reality is that approval times of six months or more are simply not viable. These delays are undermining investment, recruitment, and the wider stability of the sector.

"More critically, they are jeopardising the government's ability to deliver its target of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Without urgent reform, these ambitions will remain out of reach."

FPS call to action

The FPS urges the government and the BSR to address these critical issues by:

·       Providing clear, consistent guidance to ensure a streamlined approval process.

·       Allocating sufficient resources to accelerate approvals and avoid unnecessary bottlenecks.

·       Engaging more closely with industry stakeholders to develop practical solutions.

The FPS remains committed to supporting its members through this challenging period, championing collaboration, innovation, and workforce training. However, without decisive action from policymakers, the construction sector faces an unsustainable future.

For more information on the FPS's position on this issue, contact the FPS at: fps@fps.org.uk.