Fareham Borough Council to give Hampshire Fire and Rescue service a say on planning applications involving high rise buildings

Fareham Borough Council has approved plans at a recent council meeting which will see planners now having to consult Hampshire Fire and Rescue on all new applications for high rise buildings.

Proposals for new schools, hotels, high-risk office blocks and housing, large development sites and health buildings will also be scrutinised by civic bosses.

The plans were brought forward in a motion by Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Price, who represents Portchester East.

Councillor Price said: “I propose that in light of the Grenfell Tower fire, this council should consult the fire service.”

Currently, the fire service is entitled to submit their thoughts on proposals but they are not statutory consultees under national planning law.

However, Councillor Price said the change would allow the fire service to have an equal say compared with other organisations such as the police.

The plans were also backed by Fareham Borough Council leader Sean Woodward.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “We have taken steps to visit all high-rise buildings in Hampshire in conjunction with local authorities, housing providers, and building control bodies.

“Also, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority is now looking to work with local partners and central government in relation to the planning process in order to make life as safe as possible for our residents.”

So far police have identified 71 victims who died in the blaze in west London last June, caused by a fire from a fridge on the fourth floor of the tower block which quickly engulfed the building.