Agenda item
Building Safety Update
Minutes:
Karen Swift, Director of Housing, introduced David Leslie, Building Safety Lead, and Enamul Goni, Principal Project Manager, Housing New Development, who gave a brief overview of the governance and accountability arrangements in preparation for the New Build Compliance and Regulator. In November, all existing structures in the THH housing stock will be transferred to the Council and are currently being evaluated to ensure compliance.
Details of the new gateway requirements applicable to tall buildings from application, pre-construction to after completion were presented.
The Building Safety Regulator will oversee the planning application stage, which now requires a fire safety statement. Local Authority Building Control and the Fire Service will ensure that there is sufficient access for fire engines to park and sprinklers to use in the event of a fire, prior to commencement to the next stage. A Health and Safety Executive will be appointed as a statutory consultee.
Building control approval must be sought from the Building Regulator, prior to any building work and a 12-week determination period from receipt of an application including key documentation is now mandatory. If approved, inspections will be conducted during the construction phase and a certification application and a final inspection are required to ensure the building conforms to the approved design following completion.
In October, both Gateways two and three were implemented, and full details are pending as these processes have not been completed for the following schemes: Edward Mann Close, HAP (Harriot, Apsley and Pattison Houses respectively) and Caxton Grove. Indicative costs and timelines were also included, as were the Building Control Enforcement penalties available for any non-compliance.
Further to questions from the sub-committee, David Leslie and Enamul Goni;
· Confirmed that secondary staircases for new buildings over 18 metres will be considered as a mandatory requirement by the government. The current threshold is 30 metres. The council’s new build programme is now being reviewed, as three developments noted will be effected and extra costs may be incurred.
· Explained that consideration is given to lighting and safety issues caused by hoarding and scaffolding used for major works. Engagement with contractors and Tenant Residents Associations (TRA) routinely takes place.
· Clarified that necessary requirements for existing and new housing stock are being taken to ensure that borough properties are complying with the Building Safety Act 2022.
· Explained that once a development is completed, the stock is transferred to the THH team and a 20-week process is followed to ensure protocol is implemented. A working group has been established with THH's handover team to ensure all necessary details are included.
· Noted that the New Development team are currently incorporating the employers requirements and contract with the Building Safety Act 2022, to ensure compliance with Gateway two and three.
· Confirmed that the indicative costs outlined in the presentation should not compromise unit size, although developers have not yet completed Gateway two and three, as details were published in October. Full costs will be determined once the project is fully complete.
· Explained that the 64 THH housing stock requiring major works will be registered and an intrusive survey to identify any remediation work required. A workshop will begin to undertake risk assessments and determine the compliance requirements once the transfer is completed.
RESOLVED that:
1. The presentation be noted.
Supporting documents:
- Item 4.3 Scrutiny Slides Final, item 4.3 PDF 488 KB
- Item 4.3b The Three Gateways to Building Safety, item 4.3 PDF 856 KB