Ryan Stuckey, President of Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW), said:
“This legislation announced today (Thursday 19 December 2019) is welcome. However, following further recent serious fires in England, the Welsh government should consider a lower height threshold for this ban, applying it to all buildings above 11m in height. Wales has led the way in fire safety building regulations with requirements for sprinklers, and should continue to show leadership in relation to combustible materials."
Jane Duncan, Chair of the RIBA’s Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, said:
“This announcement is a step in the right direction, alongside the existing requirement for all new and converted homes in Wales to have sprinklers installed, and demonstrates a commitment by the Welsh government to enhancing fire safety regulations. However, there is still more to do to ensure buildings are as safe as possible and RIBA would like to see this regulation applied to all buildings, including schools and hostels, which house vulnerable people or are multi occupied.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact: Emily.Stallard@riba.org or +44 (0) 20 7307 3813
2. 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.
