01732 496 523
Gateway 2 & Waterproofing Compliance: A Guide for Architects & Specifiers
Gateway 2, introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022, is a vital checkpoint for higher-risk buildings (HRBs). These buildings are defined as being over 18 metres in height or at least seven storeys tall. As a result, the introduction of the three ‘gateways’ by the Building Safety Act has significantly reshaped how architects and specifiers must approach design and construction, with Gateway 2 sitting at the heart of this process.
Compared to the old ‘deposit of plans’ stage, Gateway 2 requires design teams to secure approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before construction can commence. For architects and specifiers, this means providing detailed evidence that every aspect of the design complies with regulations. However, waterproofing is often overlooked at this stage, and waterproofing details are frequently cited among common issues in rejected Gateway 2 applications.
Our team provides architects and specifiers with expert technical support, ensuring waterproofing strategies achieve full Gateway 2 compliance and withstand regulatory scrutiny from the outset.
What is Gateway 2?
Gateway 2 is a regulatory milestone designed to prevent design or non-compliance failures before a project reaches site. At this stage, the BSR requires a full set of documentation, including:
• Competence declaration
• Construction control plan
• Change control plan
• Building regulations compliance statement
• Fire and emergency file
• Mandatory occurrence reporting plan
• Partial completion strategy (if applicable)
• Developer statement
Without these documents completed correctly and in detail, Gateway 2 prevents construction from beginning.
Why Waterproofing Matters at Gateway 2
A robust waterproofing design is essential to Gateway 2 approval. The Building Safety Regulator frequently raises concerns about waterproofing design. One of the most common compliance risks we encounter is poor continuity between below-ground waterproofing and above-ground damp proofing. On top of that, incomplete, partial and inadequate specifications and missing product documentation make the problem worse. Addressing these risks early avoids costly redesigns, stop notices, and project delays.
Early Design Engagement for Waterproofing
Specialist waterproofing design must be embedded into projects from the earliest stages. Therefore, we recommend engagement as early as RIBA Stage 2 or 3, while by RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design), it becomes critical. This is in line with the RIBA Plan of Work.
By doing so, bringing in a waterproofing specialist early significantly reduces the likelihood of non-compliance, prevents expensive resubmissions, and avoids construction delays. in addition, it delivers cost savings by resolving potential waterproofing issues before they reach site. Most importantly, it gives design teams confidence that their submission will be approved by the BSR.
Our CSSW-certified design team works directly with architects, engineers, and contractors to deliver compliant strategies from the start.
Talk To A Basement Waterproofing Design Specialist
Get in touch with our team today by calling 01732 360 095 or emailing design@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.
Our dedicated technical design team will promptly reach out to you within 48 hours. As a result, you can count on us for unparalleled design and project support to ensure the success of your waterproofing endeavours.
Compliance Standards and Best Practice
Waterproofing designs must prove compliance with BS 8102:2022, the code of practice for protecting below-ground structures against water ingress. A crucial element of the code of practice is that the waterproofing design cannot exist in isolation. Compliance with other relevant British Standards and building regulations must be adhered to. This includes the fact that designs must demonstrate how waterproofing protection systems integrate seamlessly with wider architectural and façade elements.
Our design service supports specifiers with:
• Detailed risk assessments
• Project-specific waterproofing specifications
• Drawings and documentation aligned with the wider design package
Documentation and the Golden Thread
Gateway 2 follows the the principle of the Golden Thread, a clear and auditable record of all design and construction decisions. For waterproofing, this requires more than just specifications.
After Gateway 2 approval, any design changes must follow a formal change control process. This ensures that all alterations go through proper assessment, gain approval and include full documentation to meet the requirements of the Building Safety Act. Consequently, we ensure architects and specifiers can provide full compliance statements, detailed change control records, and traceability for every waterproofing decision.
Because our design services are backed by Professional Indemnity Insurance, clients gain confidence that documentation will withstand both regulator checks and future lifecycle reviews.
CSSW-Certified Expertise
Our in-house team includes experienced and CSSW-qualified waterproofing designers, bringing unrivalled knowledge of below-ground protection and regulatory compliance. Their role is to identify risks early, develop strategies that integrate seamlessly with wider building designs, and provide the robust documentation required for Gateway 2 submissions.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to achieve Gateway 2 approval can result in:
1. Stop notices halting progress before construction begins
2. Financial penalties and resubmission costs
3. Delays to project delivery due to design revisions
4. Liability risks for design teams from inadequate documentation
According to an article on Building Design, “Barely 10% of building safety gateway 2 submissions for new builds have been approved, latest figures say”. This matches data from a freedom of information request by the cost consultant and project manager ‘Cast’. The information, as of the time of writing, revealed that only 20 out of 187 submitted applications were approved. This further highlights the urgent need for specialist input.
How Our PI-Backed Service Helps Architects & Specifiers
We offer a proven track record of successful Gateway 2 submissions through:
• Early-stage consultations and waterproofing risk assessments
• Comprehensive design documentation and specifications backed by professional indemnity insurance
• Direct support from CSSW-certified specialists
• Full Integration across RIBA Stages 2–4
By partnering with us, architects and specifiers gain the confidence that waterproofing designs will meet both Gateway 2 and long-term building performance requirements.
What Bespoke Drawings Should Show
For waterproofing specifications, your submission should typically include clear, bespoke drawings such as:
• Layout plans showing below-ground walls, slabs, and key interfaces
• Sectional details highlighting jointing, cavity drain positions, and sump pump locations
• Product callouts identifying membranes, coatings, or protection types (A, B, or C)
• Interface details where waterproofing connects with structural elements or landscaping
• Drainage routes, including external land drains, discharge points, and back-up systems
Generic details or manufacturer brochures alone are not sufficient. Regulators expect project-specific evidence that the waterproofing strategy is fully coordinated with both structural and geotechnical design.
Gateway 2 Supporting Documentation
Alongside drawings, Gateway 2 submissions should typically include:
• A site-specific design risk assessment (in line with BS 8102)
• A performance specification that sets out the required grade of waterproofing protection
• A construction control plan outlining sequencing and quality checks
• And a long-term inspection and maintenance plan for managed systems, such as cavity drains or pumps.
Common Pitfalls at Gateway 2
Many submissions fail because they rely on generic manufacturer details that are not adapted to the project. Others fall short due to poor coordination between structural and waterproofing drawings, missing interface details, or a lack of specialist input from a CSSW-qualified designer.
Book a Gateway 2 Waterproofing Consultation with Newton’s CSSW-Certified Team
Gateway 2 is more than a regulatory hurdle; it is an opportunity to ensure designs are safe, compliant, and resilient from the outset. Waterproofing plays a central role in this process, and failing to address it properly can put entire projects at risk.
By engaging our team in the early stages of design, architects and specifiers secure expert knowledge, comprehensive documentation, and a streamlined path to Gateway 2 approval.
For further information on our bespoke design service, please speak with a member of our Design Department, call us on 01732 360 095, email design@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk, or fill out the contact form below, and we will respond within 48 hours.
Gateway 2 Summary
Key Elements
|
Expectation
|
Gateway 2 FAQs
Q: What is Gateway 2 in the Building Safety Act?
A: Gateway 2 is the pre-construction checkpoint requiring design teams to prove compliance with building regulations before work begins on higher-risk buildings.
Q: Why is waterproofing critical for Gateway 2 approval?
A: Incomplete or poorly detailed waterproofing strategies are a common reason for Gateway 2 rejections, leading to costly delays and redesigns.
Q: How can Newton Waterproofing support Gateway 2 submissions?
A: Newton provides early-stage risk assessments, compliant design documentation, and CSSW-certified expertise to help architects and specifiers achieve approval.
