Fire services should be statutory consultees for major developments: council

The local authority said national policy changes that formalise early fire service involvement in the planning process would help boost fire safety across the country.

A motion asking chief executive Mark Fowler to write to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, as well as the town’s two MPs, was passed unanimously at a recent Full Council meeting.

The motion was brought by Cllr Jacqui Burnett, who is also chair of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Cllr Burnett said the motion motivated by the Grenfell tragedy, adding: "I will never forget what I saw that morning when I woke up and turned on the TV. The Government has since brought in stronger regulation with building safety, but the fire service is not a statutory consultee on planning."

“Luton Council and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service work collaboratively in a number of ways already, including on some planning matters, enforcement and information sharing. Not only does this motion formalise and strengthen this partnership, it also restates the strong commitment of both organisations to fully resource the work."

She said most of the public "would be astonished" that fire services are not consulted as a legal requirement early in the process for major planning applications.

Cllr Javed Hussain, Deputy Leader of Luton Council and Executive Member for Strategic Development, said: This motion will ensure the relationship between the fire and local authorities is further strengthened, and will help save lives. This is so important because we never want to witness a tragedy similar to Grenfell ever again.”

Adam Carey