The London Plan introduced fire safety as a material planning consideration for the first time. Understanding Policy D12 is essential for London developers.. Policy D12: Fire Safety The London Plan 2021 introduced Policy D12 , making fire safety a material consideration in the London planning process for the first time. This revolutionary policy requires applicants to demonstrate fire safety competence from the earliest design stages. What Policy D12 Requires All major development applications must: Submit a Fire Statement prepared by a third party qualified fire engineer Demonstrate that the development has been designed with fire safety in mind from the outset Address means of escape, fire service access, passive and active fire safety measures, and building materials Show how the development will function for fire safety throughout its lifecycle The Fire Statement The Fire Statement must include: 1. Building information — height, use, occupancy 2. Construction method and materials — including external wall specification 3. Means of warning and escape — alarm, detection, escape strategy 4. Features to reduce risk to life — compartmentation, suppression 5. Access and facilities for fire service — vehicle access, dry/wet risers 6. Fire safety management plan — how fire safety will be managed during occupation 7. Evacuation strategy — stay put, simultaneous, or phased Who Can Prepare a Fire Statement? Must be prepared by someone who is not the applicant Must hold relevant fire engineering qualifications MIFireE is the expected minimum qualification Must carry professional indemnity insurance Impact on Development Policy D12 has: Increased demand for fire engineers at planning stage Ensured fire safety is considered before detailed design Created early engagement between fire engineers and architects Sometimes resulted in design changes to improve fire safety Added cost (£5,000 £25,000 for Fire Statements) but reduced late stage redesign costs Beyond London Other planning authorities are following London's lead: Manchester considering similar fire safety planning policies Birmingham developing fire safety supplementary planning documents Welsh Government considering all Wales planning fire safety requirements Expected to become standard practice across England within 5 years For London Plan Policy D12 Fire Statements, contact us. Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD — UK's Leading Fire Safety & Fire Engineering Consultancy 🌐 magnus opifex.co.uk 📞 +44 7486 691724 ✉️ office@magnus opifex.co.uk Founders: Nicoleta Vasile, Baroness of Brattleby — CEO, Lawyer and Barrister, Legal & Administrative Director Alina — Technical Director & Expert Fire Engineer (BEng) Head Office: Ealing Cross, 85 Uxbridge Road, London W5 5BW Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD delivers engineering led fire engineering, fire risk assessments, CFD modelling, and building safety consultancy across the United Kingdom and internationally. With over 20 years of combined experience and a UK portfolio spanning healthcare, residential and infrastructure, we bring truly engineered solutions with a personal touch. © 2026 Magnus Opifex SEVEN LTD. All rights reserved.