The Building Safety Regulator and Government launched a major review of Approved Document B – Fire Safety in March 2026 as part of the continuing response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
The consultation, which closed on 1 July 2026, proposed a wide range of changes to fire-safety guidance in England.
Areas under review included:
- requirements for evacuation lifts in residential buildings above 18 metres;
- combustible materials in external walls, balconies and structural elements;
- improved fire alarm provision in specialised housing;
- fire safety requirements around solar photovoltaic panels;
- increased fire resistance for open-sided car parks; and
- clearer guidance for building work involving existing buildings.
What should organisations do?
These proposals are not currently new legal requirements.
Developers, housing providers, designers, Responsible Persons and organisations responsible for building safety should nevertheless monitor the outcome of the consultation, as future changes to Approved Document B could affect building design, refurbishment, fire strategy and evacuation arrangements.
Further information: GOV.UK – Review of Approved Document B: Fire Safety
