'Extensive' fire safety works planned for Portland flats
The owners say they need to make changes to comply with regulations
Last updated 11th Aug 2023
Extensive works are being planned to improve the fire safety of a block of Portland flats.
Comer Property say the work is needed at Atlantic House at Ayton Drive to comply with new fire safety regulations following the Grenfell Tower disaster in London.
All combustible materials on the façade of the building would be replaced, including balconies.
Among the items being proposed for replacement with more fire resistant materials will be balcony decking, timber handrails, timber fascia boards and horizontal and vertical cavity barriers, combustible insulation, plywood sheathing boards and breather membranes which form part of the external wall systems.
The blocks, built in 2007, run over 11 floors, including the lower ground floor, and has 207 flats.
An application for the works, made to Dorset Council, suggests that residents can remain in the building while work, which is only to the external surfaces, is carried out.
The changes will not affect the look of the building nor results in any internal changes with the materials chosen replicating what is already there.
The application is open for public comment until August 25th.