Plans to install cladding on a tower block in Carlton have been put on hold following the recent deadly blaze at Grenfell Tower.
A planning application had recently been approved by Gedling Borough Council to install cladding as part of refurbishment works being planned for Walton Court, near Carlton Square.
These plans have now been put on hold while a review is carried out following the events at Grenfell Tower in London early on Wednesday morning – which has so far left 17 people dead.
Experts have speculated that cladding added during refurbishment work at the tower block last year could have played a part in creating an additional fire risk.
Jason Cannon, director of Gedling Homes, told Gedling Eye that plans to refurbish the building’s exterior would be now be reviewed in light of recent events.
He said: “Although an application was made to install cladding at the premises, we can confirm that due to recent events, this planned work has been suspended until further notice while a review is carried out.
“We are currently in the process of contacting all residents in all of our high-rise buildings assuring them of our commitment to fire safety and reminding them of the fire safety procedures for their building.”
Gedling Homes have also written to all residents at Walton Court updating them about fire safety procedures at the premesis.
In the letter from chief executive Ian Munro, which has been seen by Gedling Eye, residents are informed that a ‘stay-put’ policy still remains the “safest option” in the event of a fire at the building.
He wrote: “In light of the serious fire in the Grenfell Tower, in North Kensington, London. I wanted to write to you to reassure that Gedling Homes take fire safety in your home very seriously.
“We work closely with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to ensure all our buildings are as safe from fire as possible. They have independently assessed all of our high rise buildings and have visited to make sure that they are familiar with the building.
“We have a current Fire Risk Assessment for all of our high rise buildings and these are in line with the current legislation.
“Our fire safety expert has recommended that the safest procedure to operate for Walton Court is a Stay Put Policy (remaining in your flat, whilst safe to do so or unless instructed to evacuate by a Fire Officer) which is deemed to be the safest option for you as a resident in the event of a fire occurring in your building.
He added: “As you are aware, Gedling Homes has recently reviewed the external façade of your building and have secured planning approval from the local authority for an external cladding system. Please be assured that this work is on hold until the outcome of the full investigation at Grenfell Tower and we will keep you fully informed.”
Hats off to Gedling Homes as they have reacted quickly here and made the right decision in my opinion.