Council will get fire safety refreshers

IT FOLLOWS IN THE WAKE OF THE TRAGIC INCIDENT AT GRENFELL IN LONDON

Reporter FIRE safety is to become central to future building projects on Tyneside following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Councillors in the most recent Newcastle City Council planning committee meeting approved proposals for 12 luxury flats on Collingwood Street.

And despite the differences between London’s Grenfell Tower and the Collingwood Street development, councillors said the decision, and all others to follow, would be influenced by the tragic events which left at least 79 dead.

Coun Hazel Stephenson said she couldn’t help but think of the events last week in London as the committee granted permission for new homes to be built.

She said: “In light of recent events, I’d like to talk about fire regulation. It’s now prominent in most of our minds on this committee.”

Coun George Allison, chairman of the committee, said: “I think this will focus all of our minds in future applications on this.”

As a result committee members will receive fire safety information as a refresher in a bid to ensure future developments in Newcastle are kept safe.

The process of fire prevention is separate from the planning committee, and any building must meet Government fire regulations.

However, councillors said they would welcome reminders of how the city keeps residents safe.

Kath Lawless, assistant director for planning at Newcastle City Council, said: “Following today’s planning committee, I can confirm that information will be provided to committee members which outlines our duty in terms of building regulations, which will include fire prevention.

“To clarify, new buildings and those which undergo significant alteration are required to meet relevant building regulations.

“These are set by Government and include requirements relating to a number of aspects of fire safety.

“This includes means of warning and escape from a building, the control of internal and external spread of fire, and access and facilities for the fire service.

“The building owner is required by law to make a building regulation application to the local authority in order that building control can assess the work for compliance with national minimum standards.

“They may choose to appoint a private company, known as an approved inspector, to oversee and certify this as an alternative to the local authority.

“Government building regulations still need to be adhered to and complied with.”

Newcastle City Council has informed residents it will be checking all residential buildings over 18m high in the wake of the tragedy.

Alan Robson,of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “The Grenfell Tower fire was tragic, and very rare.

“We’d like to reassure residents that we work very closely with local authorities and landlords to provide information on fire safety.”