A BBC London investigation has revealed that more than 100 tower blocks across the capital were constructed using prefabricated concrete panels known as Large Panel Systems (LPS). Many of these buildings could face significant safety concerns.

While not all LPS blocks are inherently dangerous, their design makes them more susceptible to structural weaknesses. Blocks that have undergone strengthening or remediation work may now meet safety standards. However, some LPS buildings have deteriorated over time, with cracks in the panels potentially compromising fire compartmentation and containment systems.

This issue has been decades in the making, but as more information emerges, questions arise: what steps can be taken to address these safety concerns?

The Origins of LPS Safety Issues

Concerns about LPS buildings date back to the Ronan Point tragedy in Newham, East London, in 1968, when a partial building collapse caused by a gas explosion led to the deaths of four people. Following the incident, the government advised councils to strengthen these structures, remove external and gas systems, and address their vulnerability to collapse during explosions.

Despite these efforts, deterioration in some LPS buildings over the years has reintroduced risks. Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which claimed 72 lives, the risks associated with LPS buildings were highlighted again in government communications and the 2018 Hackitt Review.

How Widespread Are the Issues?

Responses from 31 London boroughs to a BBC London inquiry revealed that 134 residential LPS blocks remain in the capital, with over 30 still relying on gas systems. While some of these buildings have undergone remediation work, the extent of these efforts is unclear.

Westminster City Council, for instance, plans to remove gas supplies from 24 of its 26 gas-supplied LPS blocks by October 2025. Patrick Hayes from the Institution of Structural Engineers noted that a part-funded strengthening scheme was introduced after Ronan Point, though incomplete records make it difficult to determine how many buildings benefited from it.

This problem is not confined to London. LPS-related evacuations and concerns have arisen in cities such as Bristol and Brighton. The Building Safety Act 2022 now requires tower block owners to register their buildings and disclose whether they are LPS constructions or still have gas systems installed. However, there remains a lack of clarity about how many LPS buildings exist across England and their remediation status.

Addressing Safety in LPS Blocks

Urgent remediation work is necessary for many LPS blocks. According to Mr. Hayes, the design of LPS buildings allows wall panels to expand and separate from floor panels when exposed to heat, creating gaps. Strengthening ties and sealing cracks with fireproof mastic are among the short-term solutions being implemented. However, these measures may not offer a long-term fix as buildings continue to age and degrade.

New legislation now requires owners of LPS buildings to ensure thorough assessments and risk management. Councils are also introducing additional safety measures, such as bans on gas bottles and lithium batteries, alongside 24-hour waking watches.

What Can Residents Do?

Remediation costs are high, and some councils are opting to demolish LPS blocks and build new homes. However, this has caused challenges for residents. For example, leaseholders in Walbrook House, Edmonton, were required to pay for new boilers when gas systems were replaced with electric ones. Building surveyor Arnold Tarling criticised the treatment of leaseholders, describing their compensation offers as inadequate.

Similarly, tenants on Peckham's Ledbury Estate reported ongoing issues, including cracks, water leaks, and damp conditions, after safety changes were made.

Expert Perspectives and Next Steps

A London Fire Brigade spokesperson expressed concern that many residents still live in potentially unsafe high-rise buildings, describing the situation as unacceptable. They emphasised the need for urgent remediation to address critical safety issues, including those associated with LPS constructions.

Experts and campaigners, such as Hannah Brack, stress the importance of cooperation and information sharing between councils to streamline safety efforts and avoid duplicating work.

The Institution of Structural Engineers highlighted the requirement for owners of higher-risk buildings to obtain safety certificates under new legislation. This includes detailed assessments of structural performance during fires or other incidents. However, with thousands of high-risk buildings needing evaluation, this process will take time.

Meanwhile, financial constraints and a shortage of social housing are complicating efforts to rehouse residents and replace unsafe LPS blocks. Councillor Grace Williams of London Councils called for transparency and stronger collaboration with the government and regulatory bodies to resolve these challenges.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reiterated that building owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of their properties. They stated: “Where decants occur, we play an active role in supporting local regulators and residents, and the safety and wellbeing of residents is at the core of all our work.”

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