Guidance

Review of the ban on combustible materials

Following a review and consultation, the government has introduced regulations to extend the scope of the ban on combustible materials used in and on the external walls of buildings over 18 metres in height.

• From: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2018 to 2021) and Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
• Published: 30 November 2018
• Last updated: 1 June 2022 — See all updates

In 2018 the government banned the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of new blocks of flats, hospitals, residential care premises and student accommodation over 18 metres in height.

Following a review and consultation, the government has put forward regulations to extend the ban to also apply to hotels, hostels and boarding houses.

The government has also introduced provisions in the guidance to the building regulations to set clear, strong and proportionate standards of fire safety for residential buildings between 11 metres and 18 metres in height.

Documents

• The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018 and accompanying Explanatory Memorandum

• The 2018 updated edition of Fire safety: Approved Document B

• The 2018 updated edition of Material and workmanship: Approved Document 7

• Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018: Circular 02/2018

• The government response to the consultation on banning the use of combustible materials in the external walls of high-rise residential buildings

• Ban on combustible materials in external wall systems: impact assessment

• Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018: frequently asked questions

• The 2022 amendments to Approved Document B

• Building (Amendment) Regulations 2022: Circular 02/2022

• The government response to the consultation on the review of the ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings

Published 30 November 2018
Last updated 1 June 2022 + show all updates

1. 1 June 2022

   Information updated to reflect government's introduction of regulations to extend the scope of the ban on combustible materials used in and on the external walls of buildings over 18 metres in height.

2. 17 April 2019

   Added link to Building (Amendment) Regulations 2018: frequently asked questions.

3. 30 November 2018

   First published.