Changes to fire safety guidance coming into effect in England this September will significantly influence the design of new high-rise residential buildings. From 30 September 2026, updated Approved Document B guidance will require a second staircase in new residential buildings over 18 metres. The change follows several years of scrutiny of fire safety in taller buildings and brings the staircase threshold in line with the 18-metre threshold used elsewhere in the higher-risk building regime. For architects, developers and design teams, however, the implications extend beyond finding sufficient floor area for another staircase. Firefighting access, evacuation, protected routes, lift provision, and…
