Panel: Emma Williamson (OPDC) – Chair; Adrian Dobson – RIBA; Rhodri Williams – hbf; Mark Wilson – HSE; Alison Flight – GLA

In December last year, the Government set out proposals to mandate second staircases in new residential buildings over 30 metres in height.

In July, the Secretary of State made a surprise announcement that the proposed height threshold for second staircases in residential blocks would be lowered to 18 metres.

With a lack of clarity on the finer details including technical requirements, the forthcoming change in rules represents a major cause of uncertainty for planners (public and private sector) and developers alike.

This event will explore the implications of this uncertainty for schemes that are currently in progress and it will consider how both applicants and local authorities should approach existing and new applications throughout this transitional period of change.