PLANS have been approved to replace combustible cladding from a prominent apartment block in Newquay after the material was banned following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy.

Cornwall Council has given a planning application the go ahead to remove and replace existing combustible cladding and external wall elements with new non-combustible and associated works at the Rocklands in Narrowcliff.

An inquiry set up following the Grenfell Tower fire in West London in 2017 that killed 72 people concluded the blaze was primarily driven by the aluminium composite material cladding and breached building regulations.

Bailey Partnership, on behalf of its client Admiral House Property Trading Ltd, in the planning application, said: “Following the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy, a review of aluminium composite material cladding panels, insulation and facade materials resulted in a ban of the use of combustible materials in new buildings above 18 metres.

“These combustible materials are present at Rocklands.

“Accordingly, the proposals seek to replace the existing cladding and external wall system with a new non-combustible system.

“These measures will help to ensure that Rocklands is safe of a high standard and fit for residential use for years to come.

“This is a significant benefit of the proposals. The proposals also provide an economic and social benefit, due to the employment that will be generated through the construction phase.

“In order to ensure that the building is fit for residential purpose mitigating any fire safety concerns regarding the existing materiality of the building facades, the site requires the removal of the existing combustible insulated rendered cladding system and combustible spandrel panels, and the installation of an alternative system, which includes the installation of non-combustible insulated rendered cladding system and non-combustible spandrels.”

The planning application takes into consideration the impact the scheme will have on local heritage assets including the neighbouring Barrowfields.