1. Legal Requirements
1.1. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO), Waverley has responsibilities to reduce the risk of fires starting, reduce the risk of fires spreading and to implement measures that ensure safe means of escape are provided.
1.2. The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified article 6 of the RRFSO, which under article 6(1A)(b) clarified that responsible persons should consider anything attached to the exterior of premises within their fire risk assessment.
2. Scope
2.1. This policy covers all buildings owned or managed by Waverley Borough Council and should be read in conjunction with the Fire Policy and Fire Risk Assessment Procedure.
2.2. The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Waverley complies with its obligations to ensure balconies, communal corridors and walkways are kept clear of obstructions, ensuring that occupiers can safely evacuate the building in the event of a fire.
2.3. The purpose of this policy is to also reduce the risk of fires starting or spreading within balconies and communal walkways, by ensuring combustible materials are not being stored.
3. Responsibilities
3.1. The responsibilities of employees and other parties are set out in Appendix 1.
4. Policy
4.1. Acceptable Items
The following will be allowed on balcony areas, noting any requirements specified:
- Plant pots - provided they are stored on the balcony surface and not hung, stood or fixed to railings, and are made of non-combustible material such as metal, terracotta etc. Ensuring plants are kept alive and watered to avoid introducing flammable materials.
- Clothes rail or line- provided this is within the confines of the balcony and not hung outside the balcony area.
- A small table and chairs- so long as these don’t clutter the balcony area.
4.2. Prohibited Items
The following items will be prohibited from being stored on balconies. This list is not exhaustive, other items may be considered unsuitable, and Waverley Borough Council reserves the right to request items that pose a fire risk be removed.
- Barbeques, patio heaters and gas canisters.
- Wooden or paper products inc. picture frames and other combustible items hung on walls.
- Electrical items.
- Rubbish.
- Cooking oil.
- Flammable decorating materials inc. white spirit spray adhesives etc.
- Motor oil, petrol or diesel.
- Structures such as sheds or gazebos.
- Furniture, including plastic and upholstered furniture. Other than the small table and chairs as outlined above.
- Any items hung or stored outside the confines of the balcony.
4.3. Prohibited Behaviour
In addition to the above, the following behaviour will not be accepted on balconies.
- Light fires on your balcony, including barbeques.
- Use an outdoor or patio heater.
- Discard of cigarettes carelessly, these should be disposed of safely and in suitable container, and should not be thrown over side of balcony.
- Store excessive belongings on balcony that could restrict your escape or add to the fire load of the building.
- Hang any belongings over the railing of the balcony.
- Affix screening material such as bamboo or straw to the railings, any screen should be non-combustible e.g. metal.
- Store items in such a way that they could fall off the balcony.
- Setting off fireworks.
5. Monitoring
5.1. Balconies will be monitored by the Community Development Officers, Housing Management Officers and Compliance Officer (Fire Safety) to identify any breaches.
5.2. Where breaches have been noted, a letter will be sent to residents requesting they remove any offending items.
5.3. Where there is evidence of repeat offending, this will be escalated to the Housing Management Officer for tenants or the Homeownership Officer for leaseholders, as a breach of the tenancy or lease agreement respectively.
6. Author and Feedback
6.1. This policy was drawn up by Drew Roberts, Compliance Officer (Fire Safety), Housing Property Services Team.
6.2. The Council welcomes comments and feedback on its Housing procedures. Please contact the Housing Property Services Team.
7. Date of Implementation and Review
7.1. This policy was implemented in July 2026.
7.2. This policy will be reviewed by the Compliance Officer (Fire Safety) one year after commencement, unless there is a significant change in legislation in which case it may be reviewed earlier.
8. Budget Planning and Management
8.1. An annual budget has been set aside for the management of fire safety within our portfolio.
9. Legislation
9.1. We will ensure we comply with the legislation and guidance and will remain up to date with any changes in legislation, guidance, and best practice.
The following legislation has been considered:
- Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
- Fire Safety Act 2022.
- Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.