Cladding firm denies any ban on building material

A company involved in the renovation of Grenfell Tower was forced to deny cladding on the building was banned in the UK after comments made by Chancellor Phillip Hammond.

It was reported that the material used in the cladding covering Grenfell was Reynobond PE – a cheaper, more flammable version of two available options.

Appearing on the BBC’S Andrew Marr Show, Mr Hammond said: “My understanding is the cladding in question, this flammable cladding whichisbannedineuropeand the US, is also banned here.”

John Cowley, the managing director of CEP Architectural Facades, which produced rainscreen panels and windows for Grenfell Tower’s cladding sub-contractor Harley Facades Ltd, said: “Reynobond PE is not banned in the UK.

“Current building regulations allow its use in both lowrise and high-rise structures.

“The key question now is whether the overall design of the building’s complete exterior was properly tested and subsequently signed off by the relevant authorities including the fire officer, building compliance officer and architect before commencement of the project.”