RIBA and seven built environment bodies, fire safety organisations and disability rights groups have signed a joint letter to Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP. The united call urges 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’s current proposed 30 metres (approximately ten storeys).
Yesterday, Wednesday 22 March 2023, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) wrote to the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State at the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities. The letter, signed by eight organisations representing the built environment sector, fire safety and disability rights, urges him to reduce the proposed 30 metre height threshold for an additional staircase in new residential buildings.
We are calling on government to reduce the height threshold for more than one staircase to 18 metres – implementing what we believe to be best practice, improving safety for occupants, and harmonising standards with the wider regulatory environment. This would also align with rules in Scotland, where an additional staircase from 18 metres has been required for four years.
The letter was signed by:
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
- National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC)
- Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN)
- Disability Rights UK
- Inclusion London
- Claddag (Leaseholder Disability Action Group)
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“Five years have passed since the fire at Grenfell Tower, and still we must make the case and take bolder action to help prevent further avoidable tragedies. Decisive action to make buildings as safe as is reasonably possible is long overdue. We urge the Government to improve fire safety standards - and clarity on appropriate staircase design and provision is essential.
We know that greater numbers of people are evacuating rather than ‘staying put’ during fire incidents post-Grenfell and we must ensure occupants have access to a safe, smoke-free evacuation route.
RIBA and our seven co-signatories urge the Government to adopt an 18 metre threshold for an additional staircase in all new residential buildings. RIBA has long called for clarity on staircase design, and standards that help ensure people are safe in their homes. The Government’s current proposal fails to address our shared concerns. We stand ready to support government action on addressing all our concerns.”
On Friday 17 March, we submitted our full response to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities consultation on fire safety measures including sprinklers in care homes, removal of national classes, and staircases in residential buildings as part of changes to Approved Document B.
Our response was informed by engagement with our expert advisory group.
Read our full consultation response.
Notes to editors:
- Media contact: Ruby.OShea@riba.org
- The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) 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 @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
