Assembly calls for probe into timber-frame safety

The London Assembly has unanimously asked its Planning and Housing Committee to investigate fire safety in buildings, following a series of fires in the capital involving tall and timber-frame constructions.

A motion highlighted the Colindale fire in 2006, during which a six story timber-framed building burned to the ground in less than nine minutes, and the recent fire in Peckham involving timber-frame buildings under construction.

Assembly Members called on the Committee to look into possible changes to building regulations, with a view to making recommendations to the Mayor of London and central government.

Darren Johnson AM, Chair of the London Assembly, said: " The tragic deaths of six people at the Lakanal House fire last July and a series of recent blazes involving timber-framed buildings have all too graphically highlighted the vital importance of fire safety when designing and building people’s homes.

An Assembly probe into how such incidents might be avoided in the future is the least we can do to minimise the fire risks to Londoners.”

Navin Shah AM, who seconded the motion, said: " A spate of recent incidents have emphasised the need for a swift review of construction methods and their impact on the fire safety of London’s buildings. We must do all we can to highlight areas where improvements can be made that may save lives in the future.”

The full text of the motion reads as follows:

“The Assembly is concerned by the recent fire in Peckham - which is the latest major fire involving timber-frame buildings under construction - and is mindful of the Colindale fire in 2006 during which a six storey timber-framed building burned to the ground in less than nine minutes.

“The Assembly calls upon the Assembly Planning and Housing Committee to set up a scrutiny investigation into issues around fire safety in buildings and to look into possible changes needed to building regulations, and to make recommendations to the Mayor of London with regards to the London Plan and Her Majesty's Government.”

It is unclear whether any investigation would look at all housing or just timber-frame.