The members of the Brent Council Planning committee are well advised to read the report from the Grenfell inquiry before approving more tower blocks in Alperton. Grenfell Tower is a derelict 24-storey tower in Kensington, where 72 residents lost their lives in a devastating fire in 2017.
The inquiry concluded that all deaths were avoidable and due to a combination of dishonesty, incompetence and greed. In the construction industry, multiple problems are highlighted:
- Incompetent architects
- Greedy suppliers
- Dishonest manufacturers
- Unskilled labour used in construction
- Tendering process purely focused on lowest cost
- Unreliable Quality Assurance
- Faulty quality documentation
- Embellished qualifications
- Close relationships to council decision makers
Anyone familiar with the construction industry will recognize that the situation is worse in 2024 compared to 2017. This means that an immediate stop must be placed on new tower blocks to ensure the health and safety of residents.
What is the maximum height of building that may be considered for approval? We suggest that Brent Council must reject all planning applications exceeding 10 floors. Why 10 floor as the limit? The London Fire Brigade has fire engines with ladders reaching up to 10 floors. Above that height, there is no rescue by ladders in case of a big fire.
Alperton residents will not accept further tall towers in central Alperton. Alpertonians are watching the planning applications closely, and will hold decision makers personally responsible.
Alperton, Wembley 