HC Deb 17 June 1992 vol 209 cc570-1W
Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on how many occasions planning appeals to his Department under section 13 of the Hampshire Act 1983 have not been upheld; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

Since 1 November 1990 my Department has received six appeals under section 13 of the Hampshire Act. One of these was withdrawn, one is under consideration at present and the other four appeals were upheld.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he will take to ensure that the provisions of section 13 of the Hampshire Act 1983 with respect to fire safety in very large low-rise buildings are upheld in the planning appeal process.

Mr. Baldry

Appeals to the Secretary of State under section 13 of the Hampshire Act are not part of the planning system. They arise from the refusal of the building control authority to approve plans deposited in accordance with the requirements of the building regulations. The Secretary of State will continue to consider each case on its own merits, with the interests of the health and safety of people in and around buildings in mind.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research has been carried out by his Department into the effectiveness of sprinklers, fire ventilation and other fire protection measures in very large low-rise buildings; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Baldry

My Department has carried out research over a number of years into many aspects of sprinkler performance, fire ventilation and other fire protection measures. The knowledge gained from this work has informed the recently completed review of the technical content of building regulations, and has provided the basis for most of the guidance available to designers on such systems. This guidance includes methods applicable to very large low-rise buildings. The Department will continue to support work in these areas to improve our understanding of the processes involved, and to develop and refine the guidance available to designers and enforcing authorities.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what powers are available to local authorities to require measures to assist fire fighters, such as sprinklers and fire ventilation in very large low-rise buildings.

Mr. Baldry

The Building Regulations 1991, made under the Building Act 1984, require provision to be made for access and facilities for the fire service. The functional requirement is set out in schedule 1 of the building regulations, under part B5. The requirements to provide adequate means of escape—B1—and to address the dangers of internal and external fire spread—B2, B3, B4—also assist fire fighters. In some parts of England and Wales local Acts contain provisions which also have a bearing on assistance to fire fighters.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek to amend the Building Regulations 1991 to require the provision of sprinklers and fire ventilation in very large low-rise buildings.

Mr. Baldry

A major review of the building regulations and associated technical guidance on fire safety has just been completed. There are no plans to amend the regulations on the lines suggested.

Mr. Denham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement regarding the appropriate fire protection measures required in very large low-rise buildings.

Mr. Baldry

The latest approved document on fire safety, published by HMSO in December 1991, gives guidance on fire protection measures appropriate to satisfy the requirements of the Building Regulations. Other Government Departments issue guidance on the measures necessary to satisfy other legislative requirements. Guidance on measures to reduce property fire losses has recently been published by the Loss Prevention Council.