Extraordinary Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting: Wednesday 11 February

At an Extraordinary meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (OSP) held at 11am on Wednesday 11 February, Councillors received a report addressing the progress of regulatory action related to Arlington House.The report also advised that the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has concluded that deterioration to the building’s concrete structure and inadequacy of the fire safety arrangements constituted a serious concern.

Representatives from Metropolitan Property Realization Limited (MPRL) were invited to the meeting to provide an update on its work to improve the building’s safety.  As the building’s owner, MPRL is responsible for the structure and fire safety arrangements at Arlington House. 

Following an extensive discussion during which Councillors and residents of Arlington House asked questions of representatives from MRPL, members of OSP agreed to invite MPRL back at a future date and for Bob Porter, the council’s Director of Place, to deliver an interim progress report in three months’ time.

Cllr Helen Whitehead, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“Our primary concern is, and will always be, the health and safety of our residents. The current outstanding safety matters for Arlington House, Margate, must be addressed by Metropolitan Property Realization Limited (MPRL) as a priority.

“We are fully committed to working alongside other regulators, using our powers to support both the Building Safety Regulator and Kent Fire and Rescue Service in the best way possible.”

The council continues to work closely with national and local partners, including the BSR and Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), to ensure all safety requirements are met and remains dedicated to ensuring that all properties across the district are safe to occupy.

Background 

The council is one of three organisations with regulatory powers related to different aspects of the building. Collectively these powers are designed to compel the owner of Arlington House to improve safety and eliminate hazards at the property. 

• The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is the lead regulator for high-risk residential buildings (over 18m).  
• Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), as the local fire and rescue authority, leads on fire safety regulation (for buildings over 18m).
• Thanet District Council is the Local Housing Authority, meaning the council has regulatory powers which can require the building owner to take action to address health and safety hazards.

The full report to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel is available here.