THE Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and building safety campaign groups have written to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Bromley Council leader Colin Smith, urging them to block the construction of a controversial tower block in Penge.

The development, approved by Bromley Council, has been criticised for narrowly avoiding updated building safety rules requiring a second staircase in residential buildings over 18 metres tall. 

Developers reduced the building height to 17.7 metres — just 30 centimetres below the legal threshold.

The London Fire Brigade stated that reducing the block is “not ethically justified,” submitting a nine-point objection on fire safety grounds.

Evacuation of the Grenfell Tower was found to have been hindered by the tower having only one narrow stairwell. 

The letter calls on the Greater London Authority to intervene and block the scheme until it complies with the “highest standards of building safety.”

Organisations campaigning for safer tower blocks following the Grenfell Tower tragedy have signed, describing the plans as risking another fire safety disaster and setting a precedent for developers across Britain. 

Signatories include Justice for Grenfell, End Our Cladding Scandal, Tower Blocks UK, UK Cladding Action, Acorn, the London Renters’ Union, and the Penge Preservation Society.

FBU general secretary Steve Wright said: “This is an attempt to cut corners and get around the building safety regulations introduced to avoid a repeat of the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“If the development goes ahead in its current form, residents of this property will only have one staircase which they can use to evacuate. This could cost lives. 

“It’s vital that Sadiq Khan uses his powers to block this attempt to circumvent the safety improvements that were introduced in the wake of the Grenfell fire.”

The Mayor’s office and Bromley Council were approached for comment.