Legislation to put a new building-safety regulator in place to oversee the construction of high-rise housing has been included in the Queen’s speech.

But RIBA president Alan Jones has warned that the detail of the commitment – in response to the Hackitt Review into the Grenfell Tower tragedy – must include enhanced standards on escape routes, professional design oversight and the introduction of sprinklers into new and converted homes.

Ministers set out in June how the new regulator, focused on high-rise residential buildings over 18m tall , would operate. Under the plans, the regulator will police three “gateways” in the development of a scheme: design, construction and occupation, ensuring projects meet regulations.

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