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?

[Scarlett]

Buen, You've got me worried now, because I have asked the local Council for Advice.

 

you've got me worried now, because I have asked the local Council for advice.

If they go round and deem it too dangerous, then my upstairs neighbour will probably have to move out. She won't be happy with me, but it's been a long time coming, and we have to solve it!

[Scarlett]

Builder, I imagine it is of steel construction, it looks like something out of the 1970s. It would be great if it could be patched up, but literally all of the steps have holes and jagged gaps in them! 

[Buenchico]

^^^ If the fire escape isn't deemed to be a legal necessity then, of course, it can be removed but only after getting Listed Building Consent.

[Scarlett]

Buen, do you know who would be able to confirm whether it is a legal necessity?

[Buenchico]

^^^ You could try this forum:
https://www.safelincs-forum.co.uk/

[Maydup]

If the staircase to the property is a normal one with wooden stairs and the building is more than 2 storeys, which it is, then the fire escape will be necessary.

The fire service however, can advise on alternative solutions. eg would a drop ladder such as this be adequate?

https://www.robertdyas.co.uk/firechief-escape-ladder-45-3-storey-40-fel730-41?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20381476479&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACf0mw03QlembcQbJVNV_4zO9nPR2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwo8S3BhDeARIsAFRmkOMWo48N6CIa2RVvjTErlN7QnmbHawl9NIlEv6x7Zk-_fZikYpHZCw4aAhUnEALw_wcB

[Scarlett]

Maydup, I spoke to a fire safety officer, and he said that so long as each flat has one fire exit ie- Door out, That's all that's needed. I looked around Google Earth and all the tall houses in the same town, and not one of them had a fire escape. I think it was because my house was originally a commercial building – a bank – that had people working there, and that's why it had a fire escape.

 

I think it was because my house was originally a commercial building – a bank – that had people working there, and that's why it had a fire escape. It became a residential building in the 1980s, and technically would not be built with one nowadays. I am going to seek advice from the council at some point.