Second Staircase Rule Uncertainty Halts Wates Project

8/6/23

A joint venture between Wates Residential and Havering Council has been put on hold due to concerns about the proposed second staircase rule. The project which will deliver 550 affordable homes in Romford East London, is part of an ambitious 12-year regeneration scheme.

An official decision on the second staircase rule is yet to be made, but it is anticipated that the two-staircase requirements will form part of the new building safety legislation.

Wates and Havering Council issued a statement regarding the decision. "As a result of continued regulatory uncertainty, a decision has been taken by the Havering Council and Wates Residential joint venture to pause development of the Waterloo and Queen Street site in Romford. Regulations are likely to change to require two staircases in buildings over 30 metres. As we are at an early point in the construction process, we have taken an opportunity to pause while we get a better understanding of what new regulations will mean and to update the design to include a second staircase."

Wates Residential began the joint venture with the council in 2018. The plan includes a £12 billion regeneration plan across 12 estates in East London, delivering 3,500 council-rented and affordable homes. Earlier this year, the Mayor of London introduced new rules requiring a second staircase on all new applications of buildings over 30 metres.

IMAGE: Havering Council /Wates - Plans for the 12-year regeneration partnership across the London Borough of Havering are currently on hold.