Masonry Support Gateway 2 Submission Checklist

As the UK construction industry adapts to the Building Safety Act, completing your Gateway 2 submission has become a critical checkpoint—especially when it comes to external wall systems.

Masonry support components like brackets, wall ties, and restraint fixings are now classified as major safety elements. Even the slightest oversight can trigger delays or rejection by the Building Safety Regulator.

We created an overview of the Gateway 2 submission requirements on our previous blog.

Follow this checklist to make navigating your Gateway 2 application easier. It will help you to stay compliant, reduce risk, and maintain build momentum.

What is a Gateway 2 Submission and Why Does It Matter?

Gateway 2 serves as a formal approval stage introduced by the Building Safety Act for high-rise residential projects in England. At this point, regulatory sign-off must occur before any construction begins. Masonry support is a vital component of the external wall system, and therefore any post-approval modifications are considered “Major Changes”, and will need a new Gateway 2 submission. It is essential to get masonry support details correct the first time.

Why is Masonry Support a Critical Compliance Element?

Masonry supports perform structural and fire-safety roles within the external envelope. They carry the dead load of brickwork, transfer lateral loads, and must not compromise cavity barriers or fire-stopping. With the Regulator scrutinizing all elements for structural stability and compartmentation, your masonry support must be fully designed, coordinated, and documented.

Masonry Support Gateway 2 Submission Checklist

Design & Technical Documentation

• Fully specify masonry support locations, types, and details (e.g. ties, brackets, trays).
• Provide detailed drawings with annotations (dimensions, fixings, materials, coatings).
• Submit structural calculations covering dead, live, and wind loads.
• Demonstrate compliance with Part A (Structure) and Part B (Fire) of Building Regulations.
• Include fire-stopping details and penetration seals where supports interface with cavity barriers

Change Control

• Clearly define support systems upfront – changes later are “Major Changes” and will require reapproval
• Document how any future design changes to supports will be handled in the Change Control Plan.

Competence & Assurance

• Provide evidence of supplier and designer competence (SKEB – Skills, Knowledge, Experience, Behaviours).
• Reference relevant certifications (e.g. UKCA, CE, ISO).
• Provide a description of QA/QC processes for design, manufacture, and installation. This must be coordinated with suppliers and site teams.

Installation & Construction Control

• Include masonry support installation steps in the Construction Control Plan.
• Describe site inspection, sequencing with brickwork, and verification methods.
• Confirm that installation will follow manufacturer guidance and will be carried out by competent personnel.

Documentation & Dutyholder Roles

• Add all drawings, specs, and calculations to the Gateway 2 Reference File.
• Clearly state design and installation responsibility (principle designer, contractor, specialist etc)
• Ensure all data relates to a robust Golden Thread of information.

Supporting Documentation & Golden Thread

You must support all masonry support details with clear, traceable documentation. This is referred to as the Golden Thread. This includes design drawings, load calcs, change logs, and declarations of competence. Make sure that you organise this in a clearly indexed Reference File, showing that your support system design is robust, coordinated, and fire-safe.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in your Gateway 2 Submission

• Masonry support locations or bracket types unspecified
• Incomplete or unverified structural calculations completed
• Install procedures from the Construction Control Plan omitted
• Accountability for design or compliance not assigned correctly

Conclusion

Gateway 2 has significantly raised the bar for safety and accountability across the UK construction industry. Consequently, it is more important than ever to fully detail your masonry support system—from initial design through to final installation. By doing so, you not only reduce the risk of delays, rework, or regulatory rejection, but you also demonstrate a proactive and responsible approach to compliance. Furthermore, thorough documentation reinforces your project’s readiness for scrutiny. Finally, to stay on track and avoid costly setbacks, use the checklist above to ensure your Gateway 2 submission meets every requirement.

Additional helpful information can be found on the following links:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-building-safety-act

https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/guidance-launched-for-gateway-2-and-3-structural-submissions

Request a PDF copy of the FIRMA Gateway 2 Submission checklist by entering your details below:

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