"Under rules introduced by the previous government following the Grenfell fire in 2017, owners of residential blocks in England taller than 18 meters need to get prior approval for work from the building safety regulator (BSR). The construction industry says months-long approval times at the regulator are frustrating the delivery of new homes, particularly in London, and could dash government efforts to build 1.5 million new homes by the next election."
"Industry groups have complained that the new fire safety regulations have led to lengthy delays to carry out minor work to install fibre cables. Labour now plans to remove a requirement for building safety officials to sign off installation works inside buildings before they can go ahead. It is the latest in a series of moves to speed up the post-Grenfell safety regime, following criticism over the time taken for building work to gain approval."
Government plans to specify that prior building safety regulator approval will not be required for drilling holes in internal walls to install broadband in high-rise residential blocks in England. Rules introduced after the 2017 Grenfell fire currently require prior BSR approval for work in blocks taller than 18 meters. Construction and telecoms industries report months-long approval delays that have stalled fibre installations and new-home delivery, with some owners and councils refusing to sanction work until approval is granted. The Internet Services Providers Association estimates hundreds of thousands of upgrades are on hold, risking gigabit-capable broadband targets.
Read at www.bbc.com
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