In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the London Assembly Planning Committee released a report into fire safety calling for sprinklers to be mandatory in all new buildings above 18 metres.
In response to the release of the final report of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety today, Navin Shah AM, author of the report, said:
“It’s very disappointing that this review of building and fire regulations has not recommended sprinklers or other similar systems to be made mandatory in all buildings above 18 metres. The Commissioner of the London Fire Brigade said introducing sprinklers in this way is a “no-brainer”, so it’s deeply concerning that the Government continues to overlook the seriousness of this issue.
“The appalling tragedy of Grenfell must never happen again. This is a dangerous missed opportunity to ensure people can feel safe in their homes and I would urge a rapid rethink.”
The report ‘Never Again: Sprinklers as the next step in fire safety’ recommends:
- The government should develop a road map with clear milestones towards making AFSS compulsory in every residential building in England.
- The Government should amend Building Regulations to make installing automatic fire suppression systems (AFSS) in all new-build residential developments above 18 metres in height mandatory.
- The Government should update the Building Regulations to require all new care homes and sheltered housing to be fitted with sprinkler systems in England
- The Mayor should create a £50 million ‘London Sprinkler Retrofitting Fund’ to fund AFSS in 200 existing high-risk buildings over the next five years.
The independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, led by Dame Judith Hackitt examined the building and fire safety regulatory system, with a focus on high-rise residential buildings.
Notes to editors
- Navin Shah AM, of the Planning Committee, is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
- The Planning Committee’s role is to scrutinise the detail of the London Plan and the Mayor’s use of planning powers.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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