Westminster Conservatives working to ensure the safety of residents across the city
We have all been shocked and appalled at the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower.
Westminster’s Conservative Councillors know that many people are concerned about the safety of residents living in high rise blocks. We have been very proactive since that fire and have ensured that Westminster Council has been in regular contact with residents to keep them informed and reassure them that their safety is of utmost importance.
There is just one estate - Little Venice - that has cladding with some similarities to Grenfell Tower. A panel has been tested by the Government and like everywhere else in the country, it did not pass. But it is important to note that the Little Venice cladding system is very different to Grenfell Tower. For example, the insulation is called ‘Rockwool’ which is non-flammable and made of ground stone.
Your Councillors have also been working with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and they have completed their detailed inspections of all six of the tower blocks at Little Venice. They have confirmed that they are satisfied we are putting in place appropriate fire safety measures to mitigate the risks from fire and Westminster Council have written to residents to let them know.
We are confident the council’s buildings across Westminster are safe but Westminster Conservatives want to make them safer. Currently, building regulations are that new build flats over 30 metres should have sprinklers fitted. We announced that sprinklers will be fitted in all existing buildings above 30 metres managed by CityWest Homes across the city, which will typically be blocks of over 12 storeys, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of sprinkler systems in buildings below 12 storeys.
We will go further than the regulations in retro-fitting sprinklers in existing buildings at the same height across Westminster, as well as looking closely at all the issues regarding sprinkler installation.
CityWest Homes, which manages Westminster’s housing stock on behalf of the council, has a comprehensive programme of fire safety looking at more than 20 projects and we will keep you updated with progress. For example, there is a comprehensive review of signage and access points.
In addition, Westminster Council are introducing enhanced fire risk assessments for all blocks of 10 storeys or above. The Council are working closely with the LFB on this and are hoping to complete this work with them in the next fortnight. When the LFB report back, their findings will be shared and subsequent action plans of works that may need to be undertaken. We have ensured that the Council will provide residents in high-rise blocks with copies of the inspections when they are complete.
Aiken takes action on Affordable Homes
Conservative Leader of Westminster City Council, Councillor Nickie Aiken, signalled a change in the Council’s policy on affordable housing at a keynote speech to the London Real Estate Forum, where she called upon developers to ‘build more homes that people from all backgrounds can afford’.
Councillor Aiken spoke about the fundamental change needed to build a Westminster of aspiration for future generations. She indicated that she wants to partner with developers to ensure more affordable and intermediate housing – with a target of 60% intermediate built in future years.
In a stark warning to property developers who have previously relied on contributions and viability assessments, Councillor Aiken said: 'Being friendly to business does not mean engaging in some cosy cabal and we will not allow our residents to be short-changed' adding ‘there’s no time for on-going pleasant and cosy chats, glossy plans or brochures that don’t reflect people’s lives. My view is that too many times we have not always pushed back enough'.
Working with her Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Realm, Councillor Daniel Astaire, Councillor Aiken announced that the City Plan is to be fully redrawn to reflect this new priority and, citing the immediate need for action, revealed that an interim statement on planning policies to support housing delivery will be released shortly.
She also cited a number of achievements under her Conservative administration, including: 197 affordable homes in the new Dudley House development, 86 affordable homes as part of the regeneration of the Tollgate Gardens estate, a new, state-of-the-art 84 bed care home at Beechcroft and a brand new 840 pupil school in Marylebone.
Councillor Aiken said: “If you are a developer who wants to invest in, and be invested in, the future of our city, you are welcome. However, if you are just a speculator who wants to make a fast buck by building properties that only oligarchs and absent overseas investors can afford, you are in the wrong borough! We will never be a borough whose stock in trade is simply to sell its golden post codes to the highest bidder".
Ex Labour Councillor joins Westminster Conservatives
A former local Labour councillor has joined the Conservative Party as he believes it better represents residents’ concerns and interests.
Murad Gassanly, Councillor for Churchill Ward in Pimlico, will now sit on the Westminster Conservative benches. His move comes after discussions over recent months with Westminster Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Nickie Aiken and representatives of the Cities of London & Westminster Conservative Association.
His application was fully endorsed at a meeting of the Westminster City Council Conservative Group on 5th July. He has officially informed the local authority’s chief executive of his wish to represent the Conservative Party.
Commenting on becoming a Conservative Councillor, Gassanly said: “I am proud to live in the community I represent and have seen first hand the positive difference the Conservative Council has made to local peole’s lives. I want to ensure my ward secures the best services and new homes to safeguard our truly unique neighbourhood, which I have been proud to represent since 2014.
“I have been on a political journey over the last few years and have come to the conclusion that it is only the Conservatives who want to support people and help them no matter what their background.”
Said Cllr Nickie Aiken: “I am delighted that Murad has decided to join us on the Conservative benches. He will make an outstanding contribution to both our Group and Council, ensuring his residents are well served. I believe he has a very bright future.”
