Westminster Business Council (WBC) is proud to announce the publication of our new white paper, Onward and Upward: Unblocking High-Rise. This publication captures the insights, frustrations, and practical recommendations that emerged from our recent ESG in Property & Construction Network event at the Palace of Westminster, hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Ranger.
With the government’s target of 1.5 million new homes by the end of the decade hanging in the balance, the construction sector is under mounting pressure. However, as our event made clear, delays and confusion surrounding the Gateway 2 application process for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs) are significantly throttling progress.
This white paper provides a clear-eyed assessment of the regulatory hurdles facing developers under the new Building Safety Act – and crucially, offers constructive proposals to unblock the system and get the industry building again. Drawing on expert input from developers, architects, legal professionals, and safety consultants, it distills the shared desire across industry to comply with safety reforms while urgently needing regulatory clarity.
“With housing so clearly required to meet the government target of 1.5 million new homes and getting construction moving to get the economy moving again, nothing could be more important than unblocking high-rise developments. This white paper shows how clearly the industry is behind safety reforms but how the existing legislation hasn’t provided the industry with clarity and so clearly throttled developments.”
– Jennifer Adler-Potts, Director of the Westminster Business Council ESG in Property & Construction Network
The report’s recommendations are both immediate and actionable. From establishing a Gateway 2 pre-application process and digital tracking tools, to enabling conditional approvals and consistent engagement from the Building Safety Regulator, the paper offers a pragmatic path forward.
It is our hope that this white paper will support ongoing policy discussions, especially in light of the newly announced House of Lords inquiry into Gateway 2 and its impact on housing delivery. We are submitting this report as formal evidence to the inquiry and sharing it with our parliamentary partners to ensure the voices of our industry are heard.
Thanks to our expert panel for their leadership and insight:
- Tim Finbow – Ascenditur
- Lilly Gallafent – Cast Consultancy
- Justin Elcombe – Hollybrook Homes
- Funmbi Adeagbo – Catalyst
- Robert Tunningley – Irwin Mitchell
- Nick Parr – Knight Frank
And an extra special thank you to our sponsors: Ascenditur and Catalyst who helped make this event and white paper possible.
At Westminster Business Council, we are committed to enabling economic growth and social impact through meaningful collaboration. This publication exemplifies that mission – bringing together the public and private sectors to help solve one of the most urgent challenges of our time.
For press enquiries or to discuss the findings further, please contact us at team@westminsterbc.org.uk.
