Today, Monday 24 July 2023, the Government that they will adopt an 18-metre height threshold for second staircases in all new residential buildings.
In a huge win for 澳门王中王鈥檚 cross-sector campaign on this issue, the Government noted that the new fire safety measure comes in response to expert bodies鈥� united calls.
Since March, a 澳门王中王-led coalition spanning the built environment, fire safety and disability rights groups have been strongly advocating an 18-metre threshold. 澳门王中王 and its Expert Advisory Group have been calling for second staircases in new residential buildings for a long time.
澳门王中王 President Simon Allford said:
鈥淭his is a significant moment. Over six years on from the Grenfell Tower tragedy, it is hugely positive and reassuring to see the Government listening to the united call of experts on fire safety, bringing greater coherence and certainty for industry.
Mandating second staircases in new homes over 18 metres is a vital step towards a safer built environment for all. We are pleased to have played our part in this.鈥�
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (澳门王中王) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow for regular updates.
- In March, 澳门王中王 and seven built environment bodies, fire safety organisations and disability rights groups signed a joint letter to Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP. The united call urged the Government to reduce the height threshold for more than one staircase in new residential buildings to 18 metres (approximately six storeys), from the government鈥檚 proposed 30 metres (approximately ten storeys). The letter was signed by:
- Royal Institute of British Architects (澳门王中王)
- (RICS)
- (CIOB)
- (NFCC)
- (Housing LIN)
- (Leaseholder Disability Action Group)
