EWS1 form

Mckenna1992

My girlfriend and I are currently in the process of buying our first property , we have received an offer from NatWest on the 17th September 2020 .  We thought we were close to exchanging this week however on 2nd glance NatWest valuers realised that our EWS1 form was signed off by a “unqualified” RICS individual,  Despite the individual being a qualified fire engineer and having over 17 years experience with cladding.  I am now completely aware of the shortage of recognised qualified RICS members there are to sign off EWS1 form . 

The Flat we are in the process of buying is a new build ( August 2020) and is 1 of 20 in the block of flats . 10 residence have moved in since August (2 With NatWest as a lender already) and 5 are expected to exchange this week . The building is 17 meters in height and materials used on the external wall system have been given A1 rating and are identified as non combustible . (Fire engineer has signed off)  

In the valuation report it states :
Regulation S1 2018/1230 required prior to lending . If this is not available the lender requires EWS1 form signed by appropriate person . 

As stated before our building is under 17 meters and the external wall system is A1 rating both of which meaning it complies with the S1 2018/1230 regulation therefore one would assume that the EWS1 form is not required . 

NatWest are currently discussing with surveyors on this issue . Has anybody experience this or has anybody got any advice ? 

Thanks