Today, Monday 24 July 2023, the Government confirmed that they will adopt an 18-metre height threshold for second staircases in all new residential buildings.
In a huge win for RIBA’s cross-sector campaign on this issue, the Government noted that the new fire safety measure comes in response to expert bodies’ united calls.
Since March, a RIBA-led coalition spanning the built environment, fire safety and disability rights groups have been strongly advocating an 18-metre threshold. RIBA and its Expert Advisory Group have been calling for second staircases in new residential buildings for a long time.
RIBA President Simon Allford said:
“This 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.”
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.
- In March, RIBA 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’s proposed 30 metres (approximately ten storeys). 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)
