Proposals Submitted for Safer Cladding on Hull Building

Proposals for the removal of cladding from a building in Hull have been lodged with the council. Kemley House, situated at the intersection of Ferensway and Prospect Street, is clad with combustible materials on its southern and eastern elevations, according to the applicant. The submitted plans outline the removal of the existing cladding and its replacement with materials that comply with updated fire safety regulations. The impetus to remove specific types of cladding from structures was initiated by the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 72 lives. Kemley House, originally constructed in the 1980s as an office building, was converted into a residential block containing 34 flats in 2005. Planning documentation indicates that the scope of work for the existing building involves the replacement of “existing combustible cladding,” along with other necessary remedial tasks. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, residents will be able to remain in their properties throughout the duration of the work. In addition to improving the building’s safety, the new non-combustible cladding will subtly alter its appearance, featuring a darker colour than the current material. The inquiry conducted subsequent to the Grenfell Tower fire identified the cladding as the “principal cause of the rapid fire spread.” Earlier this week, government ministers announced initiatives to accelerate the removal of unsafe cladding, including setting target dates for making buildings safe and imposing tougher penalties for non-compliance.