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London Fire Probe

New probe into fire safety in London's residential buildings

The London Assembly Planning and Housing Committee is conducting a review of 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.Fire safety issues are especially acute in the capital. Sixteen of the 19 boroughs in the UK where more than two per cent of the population live on the fifth floor or higher are in London.

Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee, Jenny Jones AM, said: "There are many regulations and policies around fire safety but we need to be sure they are robust and are being translated into measures that cut the risk of a fire and save lives. We will see more and more tall and timber-framed buildings in London . It is critical new-builds are fire-safe from the moment construction begins, and that our existing tall buildings meet safety standards."

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 advice from independent technical experts. A full report of the findings will be published later this year.

Fire Risk Assessment

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