Mayor urged to halt flats over fire safety fears

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) urged Mayor Sadiq Khan to intervene and halt a planned 16-storey block of flats in Penge, London, citing significant fire safety risks due to its reliance on a single staircase for evacuation. In a letter, FBU General Secretary Steve Wright emphasized that the project poses a potential "fire safety disaster," echoing concerns raised since the Grenfell Tower fire. Developer Hadley Clarion maintains that it fully complies with building regulations after revising the height to just 30 cm under the limit for single staircase buildings. City Hall affirmed that the mayor deemed the plans compliant with fire safety policies. However, Wright accused the developer of attempting to circumvent safety regulations by manipulating the building's height.

The development will replace the Blenheim shopping centre and include 230 homes, 73 of which will be affordable housing. Despite ongoing concerns from the London Fire Brigade, Bromley Council approved the plans in March 2024. The FBU and local safety advocates continue to call for a reassessment to ensure the highest safety standards.