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John Burke Associates
In Business

Fire Safety Regulations for Residential Buildings

fire safety

Starting 30 September 2026, a pivotal change will reshape the landscape of residential construction in England. All new residential buildings reaching 18 metres or above are mandated to incorporate a second staircase. This groundbreaking decision follows meticulous consideration of the responses garnered from a consultation on the fire safety guidance of the building regulations, known as Approved Document B.

The Genesis of Change

The consultation, which unfolded between December 2022 and March 2023, attracted 285 responses, reflecting a broad spectrum of perspectives. Its primary focus was the potential integration of second staircases in new residential edifices of 18 metres and upwards, across England. Originally, the government proposed a threshold of 30 metres for this architectural inclusion. However, this suggestion met with diverse opinions; while 25% of respondents aligned with the proposal, a notable 48% opposed it.

A Closer Look at the Responses

Among the detractors, 5% advocated for the absence of any threshold, signalling a more stringent stance on fire safety measures. Meanwhile, opinions varied significantly regarding the ideal threshold, with suggestions ranging from as low as 11 metres to as high as 60 metres. Despite the contention, a consensus leaned towards the establishment of a threshold, underscoring a collective drive towards enhancing resilience and bolstering public confidence in building safety.

A Responsive Framework

Acknowledging the feedback, the government has set the wheels in motion for the adoption of the new guidance by 30 September 2026. Building applications henceforth will need to align with these updated regulations, ensuring a two-staircase design for qualifying structures. Applications that fail to meet this criterion will have a grace period of 18 months for construction commencement, providing a buffer for adaptation to these changes.

Industry Reactions

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has warmly received this update, recognising it as a vital step forward in the pursuit of a safer built environment. Jack Pringle, the chair of RIBA’s board, lauded the initiative but also highlighted areas for further improvement, including the need for a second fire-fighting shaft and evacuation lifts, both critical for emergency operations.

Looking Ahead

This regulation marks the beginning of a broader conversation on fire safety in residential buildings. The government’s forthcoming response to other facets of the consultation, such as the proposal to install sprinklers in care homes and the revamp of the national classifications system for construction products, is anticipated. As we stand on the cusp of these transformative changes, the commitment to a safer, more resilient built environment remains unwavering, with the collective aim of safeguarding lives and enhancing public trust in the structures that define our urban landscape. If you need guidance on your next project contact the team at John Burke Associates today.

 

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John Burke Associates
In Uncategorized

Building Safety Act 2022

Higher Risk Buildings

As we edge past the six-month transition period for Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs), a recent study by NBS sheds light on a significant industry challenge. It reveals that half of the professionals are still in the dark about their responsibilities under the Building Safety Act 2022. This lack of clarity poses a considerable risk to the industry’s ability to adapt and comply with new regulations.

A Call for Better Understanding

The findings are a wake-up call. Only a fifth of those surveyed feel ‘very clear’ on their duties concerning Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs). Such uncertainty underlines the urgent need for enhanced awareness and education. Russell Haworth, CEO of Byggfakta Group, echoes this sentiment. He recalls Dame Judith Hackitt’s firm message on the inevitability of regulatory change. The industry must grasp the intricacies of the Building Safety Act to uplift building safety standards.

The Golden Thread of Building Information

Another pressing issue is the management of the Golden Thread of Information. Less than half of the respondents understand how to maintain essential safety-related building information. A mere 10% have a concrete strategy in place. This gap in understanding and planning is alarming. Dr Stephen Hamil stresses the importance of a continuous, accessible flow of information to uphold safety throughout a building’s lifecycle.

The Role of Robust Specifications

Specifications play a pivotal role in ensuring safety from the design phase. They are crucial for demonstrating compliance with Building Regulations. The Building Safety Act, as Hamil points out, offers a chance for the industry to assert control over design and construction processes. Effective specification writing is fundamental to preventing substandard construction.

Moving Forward with Consistency

If you require assistance with your respective duties contact John Burke Associates today. We provide expertise and support to ensure clients comply with their statutory obligations. Furthermore, we believe in delivering a collaborative service and ultimately gaining the client’s trust and commitment. Therefore, our clerks of works division undertake a systematic and vigilant inspection of construction works in progress. This includes workmanship, materials and compliance to standards.

John Burke Associates
In Business

Building Safety Act 2022

Building Safety Act 2022

The Building Safety Bill was granted Royal Assent on 28th April 2022. This means that whilst it may not deliver what everyone wants, it is a step in the right direction. This act aims to fundamentally change the way UK property is designed, built, and managed. Thus, closer to resolving the building safety crisis and giving leaseholders more protection. However, the bill comes with hundreds of clauses which require further clarification through secondary legislation.

RICS Response

RICS has released an article on their website which details their intended solutions to the concerns which surround the bill.  They continue to work constructively with Government, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR within HSE), BSI and industry to support the measures in the Building Safety Act to be implemented swiftly. We have summarised the points they have raised in the article below.

Timing & Clarification

It is imperative that organisations such as RICS who represent our profession (and others impacted by the act) can give their valuable input. The industry will need a clear brief from our government outlining the timeline going forward. This includes when the legislation will be ready and forewarning any consultations to be brought in. Therefore, allowing the industry to support it at pace.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Whilst PII does not feature in the bill, RICS feel it is a vital component in the implementation of the Act. Currently, it seems the PII market is too weak to meet the requirements of the industry. This is a point RICS have pursued since late 2018 and continue to call out. They feel it needs delivery of the long-awaited Government EWS (External Wall Systems) PII scheme to support professionals that are carrying out external wall assessments. Furthermore, they also need the Government to intervene to find a solution for PII firms providing wider fire risk and building safety assessments and those carrying out remediation; and for all those involved in HRBs design, construction, and management.

Remediation Funding

RICS continues to support the Government to review holistic ways to fund the remediation programme. But ultimately up-front funding should be made available to leaseholders along with a clear timeline for remediation. Consequently, enabling mortgage lending, meaning sellers can sell, and buyers can proceed with confidence.

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