The government has updated its guidance calling for second staircases in all new residential buildings over 18 metres in height from 30 September 2026.
The change in guidance adds to a package of recent fire safety measures and reforms, including the Building Safety Act, designed to ensure the safety of people in both new and existing tall buildings.
Existing tall buildings are also being considered as part of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendations.
The Home Office is currently considering responses to its consultation on personal emergency evacuation plans.
Minister for housing Lee Rowley said: “The change in guidance to include two staircases for buildings over 18 metres provides clarity for developers and ensures both new and existing buildings provide safe and secure homes for all residents.”
Following a public consultation, the government announced last year its intent to set a threshold height of 18 metres, above which a second staircase should be provided in residential buildings.
This was followed in October by confirmation of transitional arrangements which set the timeframe for the new regulations.
The government said this transition period provided “clarity for developers during a difficult economic climate” and that projects previously held up at the planning stage could “now go ahead with certainty”.
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