London Assembly member accuses government of ‘foot-dragging’ on second staircase rules
The government has been accused of “foot-dragging” in failing to clarify new rules on second staircases after figures suggested that at least 38,000 new homes in London have been affected by the delay.
An initial government consultation on the need for second staircases in buildings taller than 30 metres was launched in late 2022, but last summer this was changed to blocks taller than 18 metres.
However, the technical details on what will be required have yet to be published.
The 38,000 figure emerged in a response from London mayor Sadiq Khan to a question by Sakina Sheikh, Labour’s spokesperson for planning on the London Assembly, and comes after numerous reports of schemes being delayed.
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However, as the 38,000 figure only applies to major planning applications referred to City Hall, it is believed the actual number could be much higher.
Ms Sheikh said: “It’s not good enough that they [the government] are missing their own deadlines for the rules new schemes need.
“The uncertainty the delay is causing… means Londoners are seeing the homes they need get stuck in the planning system.”
Last month, the government said the Building Safety Regulator will aim to publish the technical details on the guidance by the end of this month.
In October, housing secretary Michael Gove announced a 30-month transition period for second staircases to be installed in new schemes.
It comes amid an ongoing row between Mr Khan and Mr Gove over housebuilding in London. On Monday, Mr Gove intervened to order the mayor to review his London Plan for housing as he claimed it was “holding back” delivery.
It came on the same day that Mr Khan pledged to build 40,000 new council homes in the capital as he launched his bid for a record third term as London mayor.
Ms Sheikh added: “It’s unbelievable that ministers have the gall to criticise others’ housebuilding efforts when they are preventing new homes being built for Londoners.”
A Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities spokesperson said: “Introducing second staircases in high-rise buildings is a key part of the government’s commitment to make homes safer, and we will be publishing amendments to statutory guidance in due course to further enhance the safety of new homes.
“This sits alongside millions of pounds of investment to boost housing delivery in the capital, as well as the housing secretary’s intervention in the London Plan this week to unlock further homes.”
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