'High fire risk' cladding to be replaced on flats

A report to Wakefield Council said the work at Hebble Wharf would enhance safety for residents

Cladding on a city centre apartment block is to be replaced because it is thought to pose a "high risk" of fire.

Proposals for the work to be carried out at Hebble Wharf in Wakefield have been approved by the council after a report said it would "significantly enhance safety for all future residents, visitors and occupants".

G&O Real Estate Ltd said it would replace the cladding on the four-storey building, which is within a conservation area and near several listed buildings, with non-combustible aluminium materials.

A statement submitted to the council on behalf of the company said: "Given the high risk of external ignition to the façade of the building, the project prioritises fire safety."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the statement said the change "addresses fire hazards associated with existing cladding".

"The proposal will also likely involve changes to the insulation to ensure that it is also a non-combustible product," it said.

"As part of these works, it is likely that the new insulation will also provide an improved thermal performance to the building."

The document presented to the council stated that the use of aluminium would also reduce maintenance requirements.

No changes to the inside of the building, located next to the River Calder, were proposed, the statement said.

Wakefield Council's conservation officer raised no concerns over the proposed scheme, adding that it would have a "neutral impact" on nearby heritage buildings.

A planning officer's report said: "It is considered that the proposal will preserve and enhance the special character of the conservation area."

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