Fire safety work to be carried out at block of 200 flats on Portland
It follows the Grenfell Tower disaster in London
Last updated 9th Oct 2023
Work to improve the fire safety of more than 200 flats on Portland has been approved.
Dorset Council has granted planning consent for the work at Atlantic House off Ayton Drive.
Said a planning officer: “The project would significantly reduce potential fire spread across the building façade and beyond, thereby improving the quality and safety of the flats.”
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.
It is expected that all of the cantilevered balconies and glazed tower structures may have to be replaced, in sequence.
It is not know when the work will start, or how long it will last, but the company behind the proposals suggest that residents will be able to remain there while the work progresses.
The changes are needed to comply with new fire safety regulations following the Grenfell Tower disaster in London.
The proposals say all combustible materials on the façade of Atlantic House at Ayton Drive will 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, have 207 flats, including some which stretch over at least two floors.
Most of the properties are owned on a leasehold basis, some owner-occupied with others uses for private rental accommodation, including holiday lets.
A statement with the application to Dorset Council said: “During the proposed cladding remediation works, public footpaths may be partially obstructed by scaffolding stanchions and hoardings, however, access and egress to the building and the car park will not be compromised. Safe systems of work will be of paramount importance and applied to all aspects of the remediation project to always ensure public and resident safety.”
The planning application was made in the name of “Fulcer Ltd c/o Comer Property Management Ltd” with a London address.