Documents required for BSR Application

Guidance on Preparing Your BSR Application: A Step-by-Step Overview

At BSR Navigator, we understand that navigating the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) application process can be complex. To ensure your project meets all regulatory requirements, we’ve outlined the key documents and steps you’ll need to prepare and submit. This guide will help you understand the process and ensure your application is thorough and compliant.

Essential Documents for Your BSR Application

As part of your building control application, you must prepare and maintain a set of critical documents. These documents will be updated throughout the construction process and are vital for demonstrating compliance with building regulations.

1. Drawings and Plans

Your drawings and plans are the foundation of your application. They must clearly demonstrate how the proposed work will meet building regulations.

- Requirements:

- Upload all necessary drawings and plans as PDFs.

- Ensure all plans are clearly labeled and include a reference file.

- Cross-reference other documents (e.g., compliance statements) to specific parts of the drawings to show how regulations are met.

2. Competence Declaration

This declaration confirms the competency of all parties involved in the project.

- Key Points to Address:

- Your confidence in the competence of the principal designer, principal contractor, and other designers/contractors.

- Steps taken to verify their competence.

- If concerns exist, detail the reasons for questioning their competence, why they were appointed, and measures taken to mitigate risks.

- The declaration must be signed by the applicant.

3. Construction Control Plan

This plan outlines how the work will be managed to ensure compliance with building regulations.

- What to Include:

- Strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance.

- Methods for monitoring and recording evidence of compliance.

- Processes for capturing ‘as built’ evidence for the completion certificate.

- Measures to ensure all workers are competent and informed.

- Names and responsibilities of the principal contractor, principal designer, and other key parties.

- A schedule for reviewing and updating the plan.

4. Change Control Plan

This plan ensures that any changes to the project are carefully managed and documented.

- Key Elements:

- Implications of changes from the approved plan.

- Processes for assessing and recording changes.

- Oversight mechanisms to manage and control changes.

- Documentation of all advice received, even if it contradicts the proposed change.

5. Building Regulations Compliance Statement

This statement demonstrates how the proposed work will meet building regulations.

- What to Include:

- Clear references to relevant guidance, standards, or design codes.

- Explanations of how your solutions align with regulatory requirements.

- Justification for the use of specific guidance or standards, especially for complex or unusual designs.

6. Fire and Emergency File

This file outlines fire safety assumptions and strategies for the building.

- Key Components:

- Realistic assumptions about building use and fire safety.

- Evacuation arrangements for accountable persons.

- Access provisions for fire and rescue services.

- A fire strategy demonstrating compliance with functional requirements A3 and B1 to B5.

7. Fire Compliance Statement (for Category B Work)

For minor works affecting fire safety in existing higher-risk buildings, this statement must:

- Detail assumptions underpinning the work.

- Provide sufficient information on fire safety design principles and standards.

8. Client Authorisation

If someone is applying on your behalf, they must upload written proof of your authorisation, confirming the accuracy of the application.

9. Site Location Plan

This plan must be at a scale of 1:1250 or larger and show:

- The building’s size, position, and relationship to adjoining boundaries.

- Curtilage boundaries and other buildings within the curtilage.

- Streets within or adjacent to the curtilage.

10. Mandatory Occurrence Reporting Plan

This plan outlines systems for reporting safety occurrences during construction.

- Requirements:

- Confirm that the principal designer and contractor have reporting systems in place.

- Ensure designers and subcontractors can raise safety concerns.

11. Drainage and Sewer Plans

If constructing new drains or sewers, include:

- A site plan showing their location and connections.

- Details of drainage precautions if building near or over existing drains/sewers.

12. Staged Work and Subsequent Stages Statements

For staged applications, provide:

- Details of work for each stage and estimated start dates.

- A partial completion strategy if occupying part of the building during construction.

Submitting Your Application

When your application is ready, submit it online through the BSR portal. Be prepared to pay the applicable charges, which are outlined in the BSR charging scheme.

Managing Changes During Construction

After approval, you may need to submit change control applications or notify BSR of notifiable changes. Ensure all changes are documented, and updated plans and compliance explanations are uploaded.

Completion Certificates

Once construction is complete, apply for a completion certificate. Upload the latest versions of all required documents, including:

- Updated drawings and plans.

- Construction and change control plans.

- Compliance declarations and client confirmation statements.

For partial completions, ensure your partial completion strategy is approved before allowing occupancy.

Ongoing Notices and Notifications

Throughout the project, you must submit notices (e.g., intention to start work, commencement) and notify BSR of any changes to dutyholders.

At BSR Navigator, we’re here to guide you through every step of the BSR application process. Contact us today to ensure your project meets all regulatory requirements seamlessly.