Berkeley to Refocus on Low Rise Should Second Staircase Rule Go Ahead

16/6/23

Berkeley has announced plans to move from tower to low-rise developments should the proposed government ban on single staircases in blocks above 30 metres go ahead. Rules are already in place in London after Mayor Sadiq Khan applied the proposed changes with immediate effect last month. They are due to come into force across the UK later this year. All planning applications in the capital for new buildings above 30 metres must now have second staircases before going to the Greater London Authority for final sign-off. In an interview published in Building Magazine, Berkeley said the change was a 'remarkable challenge' for everybody.

Divisional Managing Director Brian McKenzie said, "First and foremost, Berkeley try and create as many amenities for the public as possible, and that is going to become more challenging because if you cannot put a tower in to get the density up, we are then going to have to increase coverage."

A consultation paper on the ban, published last year, advised developers to prepare for changes. It also suggested there would be a short transitional period for schemes requiring further redesign.

The G15 group of London Housing Associations has welcomed the 30 metre rule. However, a Royal Institute of British Architects-led coalition which includes the National Fire Chiefs Council and disability groups have put forward arguments for the threshold to apply to towers taller than 18 metres.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities expects costs for the requirement to reach £1.6 billion over the next decade with a 30 metre ban, £2.5 billion if this is lowered to 18 metres.