Fire safety continues to be a major focus across the construction industry, with several new regulations and requirements coming into force in 2026. Whilst these changes are designed to improve safety and accountability, they also have a significant impact on project planning and overall construction costs. Understanding these changes early is important, particularly where additional fire safety measures may affect budgets, programme timelines and design requirements.
What’s Changing?
One of the key changes coming into force is the requirement for second staircases in new residential buildings over 18 metres in height from September 2026. Transitional arrangements will apply to projects already progressing through the approvals process. However, developments that do not meet the required progression deadlines may still need to comply.
Alongside this, additional fire safety measures continue to apply to residential buildings over 11 metres. These requirements include increased focus on fire doors, evacuation strategies, firefighting equipment and building information for Fire and Rescue Services.
What The BSA Means for Building Owners
Changes introduced through the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 also place greater responsibility on building owners and responsible persons to ensure fire safety measures are properly managed and maintained. This includes regular checks of fire doors, firefighting lifts and other fire safety systems within residential buildings.
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If you would like to discuss fire safety requirements or how they may affect your property, get in touch with the Chawton Hill team today.