Bollo Lane Flats Stuck in Regulatory Limbo for a Year
149 units at Bookbinder Point awaiting safety clearance
Bookbinder Point. Picture: Right Move
September 3, 2025
A newly built residential block on Bollo Lane remains unoccupied more than a year after construction was completed, due to delays in approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The 16-storey development—known as Bookbinder Point—comprises 149 flats, including 99 private sale units and 50 affordable homes. Despite being ready for occupation, the building has yet to receive final sign-off under the safety regime introduced by the Building Safety Act 2022 .
The delay has drawn national attention following a report by Sky News, which highlighted the Acton site as emblematic of wider issues affecting high-rise housing delivery. According to the report, one of the reasons for the hold-up was a signage compliance issue, with fire safety signs reportedly found to be two millimetres too small—requiring full replacement before approval could proceed. The flats are fitted out and ready for immediate occupation. Reportedly the delay is costing the developer JJNN Homes Ltd £100,000 a week.
Bookbinder Point is not an isolated case. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed that, as of 1 August 2025, the BSR had made no decision on eight applications covering 1,210 completed residential units across England. A further 156 applications for unbuilt sites—representing 34,965 homes—were also awaiting approval. These figures have raised concerns among developers and housing advocates about the impact of regulatory delays on the government’s housing targets.
The BSr which was established in April 2023 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, is responsible for overseeing safety in higher-risk buildings—defined as those over 18 metres or seven storeys in height. Under the new regime, developers must pass three “gateway” checks: at planning, before construction, and prior to occupation. The final gateway, known as Gateway 3, is where many projects are reportedly facing prolonged delays.
In response to the growing scrutiny, the BSR said, “We are committed to ensuring that higher-risk buildings meet the necessary safety standards before they are occupied. The gateway process is designed to protect residents and ensure that safety is embedded throughout the design and construction phases.
“We acknowledge that some applications have taken longer than anticipated. As a newly established regulator, we are working to improve our processes and increase capacity. This includes recruiting additional staff, streamlining our review procedures, and dedicating resources to support smaller-scale applications.
“Our priority remains the safety of residents, and we are engaging with industry stakeholders to ensure that the system is both robust and efficient.”
Industry groups have welcomed the regulator’s safety-first approach but warn that prolonged delays are creating financial strain and undermining confidence in the sector. Developers argue that clearer guidance and faster decision-making are essential if the UK is to meet its housing delivery goals.
In the case of Bookbinder Point, residents who had purchased or registered interest in the flats continue to wait for clarity. The building, located at the corner of Roslin Road, was marketed as a flagship development in the regeneration of the Bollo Lane corridor.
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