‘Poorly finished’ building

08 April 2019

Due to fire safety concerns of the cladding used in a new block of flats, Liverpool City Council has enforced a prohibition order on one of the blocks, with residents warned they may have to leave the building if urgent work is not completed.

An enforcement notice has also been sent out for the whole Fox Street Village development scheme in Everton, Liverpool, with planning inspectors concerned about how it is ‘poorly finished’ and fails to meet standards.

The report, which highlights the changes that need to be made, states, “The building has a number of serious construction issues that affect the fabric of the building and will contribute to the spread of fire should ignition occur.”

“The result is a development which is poorly finished and fails to meet the minimum standards expected of residential development. This results in a poor-quality environment and level of amenity and safety for occupiers and surrounding neighbours.

It continues to describe the incomplete external wall system, with ‘poorly fitted’ Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding, “The ACM cladding panels appear to be fixed directly to poorly fitted, untreated and unfinished softwood battens and access to the interior of the wall system and the insulating materials used is easily achievable.”

Developers have two years to act to make the buildings safe and compliant, with repercussions of demolition if suitable work is not completed. They have until May 9 to launch an appeal.

The developer says it is working with the council to fix the problems and to make the development one “the city can be proud of”.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Authority (MFRA) said, “MFRA has been working with Liverpool City Council (LCC) as part of our ongoing work with High Rise Residential premises following the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017.

"Concerns have been identified with a specific block which requires improvements to fire safety standards.

“In particular, there are concerns over the standard of construction of the external wall system and fire safety management of the building.

“MFRA has given advice and is working with LCC and Fox Street Ltd to ensure that interim measures are in place to improve fire safety within the building – these are in line with Government Guidance.

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