Role: Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA)
Project Overview
Salus provided Building Control services for the fit-out of a new Gail’s Bakery location in Archway, London.
The project involved converting an existing retail unit into a fully operational bakery and coffee shop, including seating areas and customer facilities. Gail’s Bakery is a well-established brand with multiple locations across London and the South East, and the Archway project formed part of their continued expansion.
Salus was appointed as Registered Building Control Approver (RBCA) to support the project through the Building Regulations process, from plan assessment through to site inspection and certification.
Salus’ Role
Salus Project Manager Karl Rideout led the Building Control process for the scheme.
The Salus team carried out the plan check review, providing feedback and queries where clarification was required. The project team then responded to these items, allowing the design to be reviewed and confirmed as compliant before construction progressed too far on site.
Throughout the project, Salus also reviewed site inspection reports, monitored progress and worked with the project team to ensure any issues identified on site were addressed promptly. Final compliance checks are currently being completed ahead of the issue of the completion certificate.
Supporting Compliance Through Early Review
One key technical consideration involved the means of escape strategy within the unit.
The internal layout included a split-level arrangement, with a lower section and a raised seating area connected by steps. During the plan check stage, Salus identified the need to confirm how disabled occupants in the lower level would achieve compliant escape, as the original layout exceeded travel distance limits to the available exits.
This point was raised through the plan check report, allowing the design team to review the arrangement and confirm an appropriate solution before the project progressed further.
A Smooth and Collaborative Process
The project ran efficiently thanks to strong collaboration and clear communication between the design team and Salus.
Where queries were raised, the client team responded quickly, working with their designers and fire engineers to provide the necessary information. This responsive approach helped ensure the project maintained momentum and compliance throughout the build.
Having a single point of contact within the client team also streamlined communication, making it easier to coordinate responses and resolve queries quickly.
Outcome
The Archway Gail’s Bakery project progressed smoothly through the Building Control process, with Salus supporting the team to achieve compliance efficiently.
For Salus, projects like this demonstrate the value of clear processes, early review and practical collaboration with project teams. By identifying regulatory considerations early and maintaining open communication, the project was able to move forward confidently and efficiently.
