Housing Forum raises concerns about second staircase rules

The cross-sector membership body, The Housing Forum, has written to Secretary of State, Michael Gove expressing concerns about the forthcoming rules around second staircases for tall buildings.

The Housing Forum members welcome the clarification that we now have over the height limit, though this means that a large number of additional buildings at different stages of development are now falling within scope.

The requirement for a second staircase in taller buildings was announced in December 2022, but eight months on there is still very little in the way of further technical clarity on the purpose or design requirements.

The sector is struggling with the lack of a clear roadmap that sets out how these proposals fit within other building safety changes, giving certainty and confidence in investing for the future. 

The letter raises three main concerns relating to:

• The lack clearly identified core purpose of the two staircases. The design of a staircase depends on its intended use.
• Transitional arrangements 
• Clarity over the technical requirements of second staircases 

The letter can be read in full here: Second Staircases | Letter from The Housing Forum to Secretary of State : The Housing Forum.

The Housing Forum is the cross-sector body for the housing sector representing member organisations ranging from architects and manufacturers to developers, housing associations and local authorities. It responded to the previous consultation about second staircases and you can read this response here.