Fire Escape

[Scarlett]

I'm not very hopeful, as this is a bit niche. I have a flat, and my upstairs Neighbour and I share the freehold/leasehold and buildings insurance. 
She has a fire escape going from her flat down to the garden, which is basically condemned. Neither of us can afford to replace it as it is Big and very expensive. what are the rules about removing it completely, and might it be possible to get a grant to sort it out, as it is a listed building?

[davebro3]

I think you need to get the council building inspector in. Worst case - you will have to find the money & replace it.

[Canary42]

You could explore alternative less expensive options with the Council Planning Department - e.g. inflatable chute ?  

They should also be able to advise on possibility of a grant I would think.

[barry1010]

Does your lease specify that you are liable for the fire escape? Many leases restrict the financial burden to 'areas of common benefit' and you do not benefit from use of the fire escape.

Good idea to get the council involved, they might have an alternative, cheaper solution.

Also your local fire service will be able to give free advice.

I very much doubt there will be grants available.

[calmck]

The company that supplied and serviced our fire extinguishers also supplied a rope ladder to throw out of an upstairs window to exit in case of fire

[davebro3]

a. make sure it is securely attached at the top.😂

b. not everyone can climb through a window & down a rope ladder - even in an emergency.🙄

[davebro3]

and - do you want a coiled rope ladder sitting in your lounge or bedroom?

[Hymie]

Sounds like you need to invest in a parachute and base jumping lessons.

[Canary42]

Slightly off topic, I once worked in an office where the external fire escape was accessed by a down-to-floor-level window.  The only drawback was that the window was only 5 foot high, so they put red/white tape along the top of the aperture.  When I was appointed Fire Warden for that floor I raised hell about it and a proper exit was then installed.  I was just gobsmacked that they thought the tape was enough - panic and smoke notwithstanding 😁

[bookbinder]

I have done some online research on the subject of obtaining a grant for the replacement of a fire escape. I have found nothing that says that you could get a grant to do the job. It looks as if the cost might have to be paid by the building's occupants.

[bednobs]

as the leaseholders, i believe you are responsible.

[gingejbee]

@15.46 "you do not benefit from use of the fire escape".

Unless the building is ablaze and you'd prefer to leave it, perhaps?

[davebro3]

the ground floor occupant doesn't benefit from it (unless he happens to be spending the night with the lady upstairs?)

[gingejbee]

^The OP may live downstairs but, presumably, is allowed upstairs too.

[davebro3]

aye - just as the fire breaks out🙄

[Maydup]

For those suggesting that you're not responsible as you don't benefit from the escape; you are both jointly responsible for everything. It's like saying that you don't benefit from the stairs or the roof. It's all part of the property.

However, as others have mentioned, its worth checking with the fire service firstly for more affordable and compliant options as means of escape from upper floors. Then go to the council to check it's OK to change it on a listed building. 

They might have or be able to direct you to any funding available for repairs to listed buildings.

[Scarlett]

Thanks everyone – useful answers.Just to be clear, there are two separate maisonette – the ground and lower ground floor, and the first and second floor. Both have different house numbers. There is no connection between the two within the building. 

[Maydup]

Is the normal staircase to her apartment a protected staircase? ie made of concrete and with nothing flammable within the stairwell? If so and it exits straight out to an escape route then she might not need the fire escape.

If not and the stairs are wooden they could be the point of the fire and she needs a second exit. 

[The Builder]

It's a pity Chris Buenchico isn't around. He's 'King Googler' hereabouts. I've tried searching for anything on grants, but all I get is a load of guff about Grenfell.

My first thought is... is it repairable?  I imagine it's a steel fabrication?

[Buenchico]

^^^ Buenchico has, indeed, been doing some googling but (as he expected) there appear to be no relevant grants available.

Removal of the fire escape would required Listed Building Consent, as does just about everything else on a listed building.  (There was a case in the local press here where the local authority took action against the owner of a listed property for simply changing a tiny doorbell at the rear of the building without prior consent).

If the 'Enforcing Authority' deems that its unsafe for a building to remain occupied, they can issue a Statatutory Notice.  Such a Notice can require the property owner to make alterations to the building or even, in some cases, force the evacuation of the building until such time as it meets fire safety standards.  
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fire-safety-order-enforcement-and-sanctions-for-non-compliance/enforcement-and-sanctions-for-non-compliance-accessible

[Scarlett]

You know when people live above a shop in the High Street, and their door is a normal door next to the shop? They go through that door, up a staircase, and that takes them to their flat. 
That's what we have – my upstairs neighbour has her own front door, then a normal staircase leading up to the first floor where her property is.