Fire safety in London’s residential buildings

How effective are current regulations in reducing the fire risks in London’s tall and timber-framed buildings? Could the rules be tightened to make buildings safer, both during and after construction?

The Planning and Housing Committee is reviewing fire safety and building regulations, planning policies, construction codes and other guidance to assess their robustness. The review will concentrate on residential buildings in London, covering the distinctive fire safety aspects of both tall buildings that are already occupied, and timber-framed buildings, particularly during the construction phase.

The terms of reference for the investigation are:

To identify existing planning policies and guidance as well as current regulations applicable to tall and timber framed buildings in London, for buildings under construction and subsequent occupation.
To determine how effective building and fire safety regulations, together with the London Plan and other guidance, are in reducing the risk of and number of fire incidents in tall and timber framed buildings in London.
To establish what the Mayor and Government can do through the London Plan and other guidance to address the issues and if amendments to current London-wide and national regulations are required.

The review will establish the number of tall and timber-framed buildings in London and look at the forecast for the likely increase in their numbers. The Committee will host public hearings with experts and take written evidence from key stakeholders. A detailed review of existing regulations and guidance – including the London Plan – will be undertaken, with support from independent technical consultants. A full report of the findings will be published later in 2010.

For more information or to contribute your views, please contact Paul Watling, email paul.watling@london.gov.uk.

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