Introducing BS 9991:2024 – The New Standard for Fire Safety in Residential Buildings
Bijan Fard
November 28, 2024
Following the recent announcement by the government of Planning Gateway One, the role of a fire statement has shifted to help in the government’s efforts to create a safer building environment.
With the construction industry shifting to create a safer building environment, fire statements are essential for demonstrating that fire safety considerations have been considered for new development projects.
A fire statement is an individual document used to define the safety aspects and requirements of an upcoming development project and the methods that will be used to ensure these fire safety requirements are fulfilled.
The fire safety statement is used as supporting evidence by officials during their consideration of fire safety issues relevant to land use planning matters.
Developers moving forward will be required to submit the fire statement to local authorities for approval to demonstrate that fire safety considerations have been incorporated at the planning stage of a relevant building.
As an official document that is to be reviewed by experts, the fire statement needs to be completed on a form published by the Secretary of State and contain accurate responses to the particulars specified and referred to within the form.
This can include information such as:
The level of detail which should be incorporated should not be to replace the information relating to fire safety which would be submitted at the building control application stage. It is not designed to duplicate or require compliance with building regulations or the Fire Safety Order.
Submitting a Fire Statement at the application stage is designed to ensure developers, architects, and other stakeholders are factoring in the fire safety of the building and its future occupants.
In doing so, it demonstrates that elements including a Fire Safety Plan, Fire Escape Route and Fire Evacuation Plan are being factored into the building’s design and build.
All planning applications for relevant buildings will require a fire statement. A relevant building can be defined as any building which:
Fire statements are also required for applications in the following circumstances:
*In comparison to the Gateway One Fire Statement, the London Plan Policy D12:
In an effort to achieve the highest standards of fire safety in England, in 2021, the Mayor of London published The London Plan 2021. The document came into effect on 2nd March 2021 and sets out the spatial development strategy for all 32 London Boroughs.
As part of the wider London Plan, the D12 policy requires fire statements for all major development proposals, as part of a Planning Fire Safety Strategy.
Major development proposals should demonstrate within the Fire Statement how the proposals respond to and contain information on the requirements of both parts A and B of London Plan Policy D12 Fire Safety.
As of August 2022, following amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, if the development is outside of London, a Gateway One Fire Statement is required for all high-rise residential developments in England.
If you require consultation in completing a compliant Fire Statement, Get in touch with FDS today. Our team of fire safety experts can advise on the elements required in your Fire Statement and ensure it meets the necessary requirements.
Contact us today on +44 (0)1322 387411 or complete the contact form below.
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