How does the Combustible Cladding Ban affect balconies?
Cladding and balconies on buildings over 18m high will have to be fire resistant, achieving class than A2-s1, d0 or Class A1 (under the European classification system set out in the standard BS EN 13501-1) subject to exemptions.
Up until now regulations have allowed cladding to Class B and balconies were not regulated unless they formed part of an escape route. However, the regulations have been laid in parliament on 29 November 2018 which will give legal effect to the ban that was initially announced this summer. The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (James Brokenshire) said in The House of Commons on Thursday November 29 2018:
“We recognised the strength of feeling on combustible cladding and having consulted, announced a clear ban on the use of combustible materials on the external walls of new buildings over 18 metres containing flats, as well as new hospitals, residential care premises, dormitories in boarding schools and student accommodation over 18 metres. Today regulations have been laid to give legal effect to the ban.”
The ban became effective from 21st December 2018, however it does not apply to buildings retrospectively and also does not apply to buildings where full plans are in AND work started by 21st February 2019.