Written question WQ88363
- Asked by
- Rhys ab OwenIndependent
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had with the surveyors appointed by the Welsh Government to review the construction details applicable to Victoria Wharf, Cardiff that uses an Envirowall system, unlike many other developments, with fire breaks built into the construction?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
I have appointed technical experts to undertake survey work to assess any fire safety issues in residential buildings of 11 metres and over in height. Survey reports containing technical construction details, are sent directly from our consultants to Responsible Persons. I expect Responsible Persons to share findings with both leaseholders and developers to help support the works that need to be carried out.
Victoria Wharf was developed by Taylor Wimpey. This developer has signed a legally binding contract to undertake works to address life critical fire safety works on buildings they have developed, including those in Victoria Wharf. In fact, in Wales, all of the developers we expected to sign our contract have done so.
The contract includes a requirement for information to be provided, which will allow the Welsh Government to monitor progress. Should the agreed terms of the contract not be met, my officials will take steps to address this.
The contract also requires Taylor Wimpey to get in touch with the Responsible Person at Victoria Wharf to arrange for the necessary remediation works to take place.