Combustibles ban consultation period extended until May 25

14 April 2020


The UK government has extended the consultation period for the review on the ban of the use of combustible materials in and on external walls of buildings (including attachments) until May 25.

The consultation, which had been due to end on April 13, has been extended by six weeks due to due to the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on people and businesses around the country.

This consultation seeks views on the ban of the use of combustible materials in and on external walls of buildings, including building types covered and the height threshold.

Government is recommending that the current ban on using combustible materials in and on external walls of new buildings over 18m should be lowered to 11m, despite a lack of scientific evidence for the move. In addition, hotels are also being recommended as being included in the scope of the ban.

The original ban was introduced in the wake of the Grenfell fire disaster. It effectively means that cross-laminated timber (CLT) structures were prevented in going above 18m high.

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and other trade bodies have given comprehensive responses to the consultation and are encouraging members to fill in the online survey form.

“A ban down to 11m which includes the structural walls of buildings will impact the use of wood and wood-based products in ways counterproductive to achieving Government targets on housing and sustainability, without giving clarity or making buildings safer,” it said.

To access the consultation visit here To see the TTF’s dedicated page on the combustibles consultation visit here