Campaign Groups Urge Sadiq Khan to Halt Tower Block With One Staircase

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14 May 2025

The Fire Brigades Union and other groups have written to Sadiq Khan and Bromley Council leader Colin Smith, raising concerns over plans for a 17.7-metre-high development in Penge that includes only one staircase.

The site on Penge High Street is currently home to the Blenheim Shopping Centre, and developers Clarion Housing Group and the Hadley Property Group received approval for a residential-led mixed-use scheme with 230 flats in 2024.

The tower’s height was cut from 18.74m to 17.7m before it was approved, allowing planners to meet building safety rules that mandate two staircases only for buildings over 18m. The decision was described as “not ethically justified” by the London Fire Brigade.

An Attempt to "Cut Corners" Says Fire Brigades Union

Alongside groups such as Justice for Grenfell, End Our Cladding Scandal, Tower Blocks UK, UK Cladding Action and London Renters’ Union, the Fire Brigades Union is calling on the Greater London Authority and Bromley Council to halt the tower’s construction. 

"This is an attempt to cut corners and get around the building safety regulations introduced to avoid a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy,” said Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Steve Wright.

"If the development goes ahead in its current form, residents of this property will only have one staircase which they can use to evacuate. This could cost lives. 

"It's vital that Sadiq Khan uses his powers to block this attempt to circumvent the safety improvements that were introduced in the wake of the Grenfell fire."

The letter states: “The fire risks are almost identical as [sic] a building that is 30cm taller and would not meet the requirements of the regulations. Evacuation at Grenfell was severely hindered by the single narrow stairwell.” 

A spokesperson for Hadley Clarion said: "All the buildings in the scheme comply fully with the latest building regulations and fire safety standards. 

"The development spans five blocks, several exceeding 18 metres in height, and was redesigned twice during the planning process to meet evolving legislation. When the previous government introduced consultation guidelines for buildings over 30 metres, we revised the design to align with these standards. Later, when the threshold was amended to 18 metres or seven storeys, requiring two staircases, we redesigned again. We always ensure compliance with the highest standards.

"We have engaged with the council throughout this process and always welcome the opportunity to meet with local councillors to discuss the project.

"At a time when London faces its worst housing crisis in generations, with record numbers across London - including in Bromley - living in temporary accommodation, town centre regeneration projects like Blenheim Square are exactly what the capital needs."

Picture: a CGI showing the exterior of the proposed tower, with open green communal spaces and a large mural. Image Credit: Clarion Housing Group and the Hadley Property Group

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 14 May 2025

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