Fires at Bromley block prompt cladding change

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

A set of flats in Bromley is having its cladding replaced after blocks in the complex caught fire twice in the past two years.

The works will update the balconies and roof terraces of homes in St Mark’s Square, where a block of flats caught fire on August 15 due to a faulty extension lead on a 10th floor balcony.

The incident followed a blaze in the complex in July 2022 which damaged the roof of another block in the square that was still being repaired at the time of the fire in August this year.

Lib Dem councillor Sam Webber asked the leader of Bromley council at a meeting on Monday for an update on the remediation works that were being carried out at the development following the fire.

Conservative councillor Colin Smith, leader of Bromley council, said he had been told a number of residents had been moved back into the buildings – having vacated following the fire to allow repairs to be carried out.

Cllr Smith added that developers LandsecU+I said the cladding used in the balconies and roof terraces of the building was a form of treated timber that was less prone to igniting. They said that the cladding reportedly remained compliant with fire safety regulations.

Speaking on behalf of Mike Hood, LandsecU+I’s chief executive, Cllr Smith said: “The London Fire Brigade have already confirmed that the cladding performed as it should have done during the fire and assisted in containing it from spreading.”

He added: “However, we recognise that the use of timber in this context is now not seen as best practice given the enhancements in fire safety regs in recent years, as other materials would provide better fire stopping properties. As such, we have been in the process of replacing the timber cladding on all roof terraces across St Mark’s Square.”

London Fire Brigade reportedly carried out a full assessment of the building and its certification following the blaze, with Mr Hood claiming LandsecU+I would take appropriate action in response.

Anne Brighton, director of neighbourhood services at housing association Moat Homes, said that the company’s focus was to keep its customers safe and support them with anything they needed alongside alternative housing after the incident.

A spokesman for St Mark’s Square has said: “We know the fire would have been extremely frightening and concerning for residents.”

Pictured top: The blaze was said to have started by an extension cord on a 10th floor balcony. (Picture: Joe Coughlan)