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Barking fire developer ‘highly likely’ to strip cladding and remove balconies from block

The developer behind the Barking development, which saw 20 properties completely destroyed by a fire on Sunday, is now likely to remove the cladding and balconies from the affected block, it has confirmed.

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Fire at the Samuel Garside block at the Barking Riverside development (picture: Venilia Batista)
Fire at the Samuel Garside block at the Barking Riverside development (picture: Venilia Batista)
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Barking fire developer ‘highly likely’ to remove cladding from development #ukhousing

A statement released by developer Bellway, which completed the building in 2012, said: “It is highly likely that we will replace the cladding and balconies in order to allay any concerns residents may have.”

The company said that while the material was compliant with building regulations, it wanted to “act in a positive manner”.

The developer is currently carrying out a survey of the whole of the block and expects to conclude this work at the start of next week.

Yesterday Inside Housing revealed that the material used on the Samuel Garside block was wood-based material ThermoWood with a Class D fire rating.

ThermoWood, according to a brochure by its manufacturer, is wood that has been heated to make it “more stable”. The brochure says that its reaction to fire is rated as Class D.


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Government guidance requires Class B for the external surfaces of walls on buildings above 18m and limited combustibility, or A2 for insulation. Class D is more combustible than both of these.

It is understood the height of the Samuel Garside building is below the 18m threshold for government regulations – meaning there are no limits placed by the guidance. Balconies are also widely considered exempt.

In addition to the 20 flats that were destroyed, a further 10 properties were damaged. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene but there were no major injuries.

A Bellway spokesperson said it was continuing to investigate the incident, would be helping Barking & Dagenham Council to secure alternative accommodation for affected residents, and carry out remedial works on damaged apartments.

They added: “We understand that the blaze was contained to the external envelope of the eastern elevation of the building, with initial reports suggesting that it was caused by a barbecue on a resident’s balcony.

“We are relieved that the fire protection measures within the building, which received all regulatory approvals, ensured that occupants were safely evacuated.”

A total of 32 of the 80 properties in the Samuel Garside block belonged to housing association Southern Housing Group. Adriatic Land, which is part of the £1.6bn Long Harbour Ground Rent Fund, bought the head lease of the property from Bellway.

Yesterday mayor of London Sadiq Khan said that he would be speaking to the owners of the Samuel Garside building, Adriatic Land, about the fire to try and push the freeholder to ensure blocks in Barking were made safe.

The organisations involved in Samuel Garside House

The organisations involved in Samuel Garside House

Inside Housing has identified the key organisations involved in developing and managing Samuel Garside House:

Developer: Bellway

Architect: Sheppard Robson

Building owner (headlease): Adriatic Land

Freeholder of land: Greater London Authority/L&Q

Management: HomeGround, which appointed RMG (part of Places for People)

Building control: NHBC

Owner of affordable homes (32 of 80): Southern Housing Group

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