Improving proportionality and safety outcomes in building control for telecommunications works

Since Grenfell, the UK has tightened safety rules for higher-risk buildings (HRBs), defined as properties over 18 metres or seven storeys with at least 2 residential units. The Building Safety Regulator oversees these buildings under strict protocols established by the Building Safety Act 2022. The Government’s consultation on whether these controls are too burdensome for telecommunications work closes on 24 March 2026.

Purpose

The consultation examines:

Drilling small holes through fire-resisting walls for fibre optic installation
Installing/repairing mobile communications masts

These activities may be unintentionally subject to stringent compliance, potentially slowing vital telecoms upgrades (as well as making such works more expensive given the additional requirements).

This is a welcome consultation following the industry reporting that this causes operation and financial challenges and has resulted in routine telecom works facing disproportionate procedures. The other adverse impacts are the additional strain on already limited regulatory resources and the impact that delays may have on digital rollout targets.

Current Regulations

By way of a reminder for HRBs building control requires passage through statutory gateways:

Gateway 1: planning stage (fire safety included)
Gateway 2: pre-construction approval
Gateway 3: post-completion certification

Each gateway introduces delays for routine works.

Proposals

The Government proposes easing regulations especially at Gateway 2 and 3, for certain telecom activities.

Proposal 1: Internal Drilling for Fibre Optic Cabling

Under this proposal, procedural requirements would be removed for drilling small internal holes for fibre cabling in both HRBs and non‑HRBs, with only a notification of completion needed. To ensure fire safety is not compromised, the Government is also considering conditions such as limits on hole dimensions, proper fire‑stopping, use of compliant products and installer competence.
Proposal 2: Mobile Communication Mast Work

For the installation and repair of mobile masts on existing HRBs, the Government proposes removing Gateway 2 checks (avoiding delays to starting works) while retaining the requirement for a completion certificate so the regulator can confirm that finished works comply with existing safety standards

Next Steps

The consultation closes on 24 March 2026, and we will await to see how quickly the Government implements any changes. In the meantime, the current regulations will apply – please contact Kirsteen Milne if you have any queries.