The London Assembly has released more details about its investigation into multi-storey timber frame residential buildings in the capital.
The terms of reference for the planning and housing committee’s investigation into tall and timber frame buildings, first announced in mid-January, includes public hearings attended by experts and will be held with written evidence taken from key stakeholders.
Current regulations will be looked at for tall and timber frame structures, both during construction and during occupation.
Building and fire safety regulation effectiveness will also be examined, together with the London Plan and other guidance, in relation to reducing the risk of fire incidents in tall and timber frame buildings.
The committee will also look at what the London mayor and government can do to address the issues and assess if amendments to current London-wide and national regulations are required.
Current numbers of tall and timber frame buildings in the capital will be established and forecasts for the future examined. Independent technical experts will give advice on a review of existing regulations.
“We will see more and more tall and timber frame buildings in London,” said committee chairman Jenny Jones. “It is critical newbuilds are fire-safe from the moment construction begins, and that our existing tall buildings meet safety standards.”
The inquiry follows two major fires on timber frame construction sites – in Camberwell last month and in Peckham last November, plus a fatal fire (non-timber frame) at Lakanal House last July.
