Serious concerns over fire safety and structural failures at Margate’s Arlington House are back in the spotlight with Thanet councillors on the scrutiny panel due to receive an update on action being taken, including Kent Fire and Rescue Service issuing a notice of deficiency and the Building Safety Regulator considering its next steps.
Last year leaseholder Metropolitan Property Realization Limited (MRPL) was quizzed by councillors over concerns including the deterioration of the main concrete structure and the cladding panels “to such an extent that they both present a risk to the health and safety of residents and members of the public.”
Other issues included inadequate fire safety measures, concern relating to one flat on each floor not being fitted with smoke detection or sounders; smoke control as many windows in the escape staircases cannot be opened due to disrepair and service ducts which are not fully protected and could allow the spread of fire and smoke.
A waking watch of four fire marshals to patrol the building 24/7 at a fee of £48,000 a month was in place last year but this was officially stood down early this year after alarm upgrades and a shift back to a simultaneous evacuation strategy.
A compliance notice was issued after the Building Safety Regulator refused to issue a safety certificate for the 18-storey high-rise tower block and ordered Metropolitan Property Realizations Ltd (MPRL) to undertake a full structural survey and a full fire safety compartmentation survey.
Thanet council also issued a Hazard Awareness Notice.
Fire service notice
In an update to councillors it has emerged that KFRS audited the premises under the Fire Safety Order on 28 April and served a Notice of Deficiencies on 6 May.
The notice requires action to be taken due to:
- Inadequate compartmentation,
- Structural concerns,
- Use of service risers for services with combustible materials,
- The need to update the fire risk assessment,
- PEEPs and provision of accurate information in the Secure Information Box,
- Inadequate detection in bin chutes,
- Fire door issues
- Inadequate arrangements to manage the simultaneous evacuation procedure.
The council report says that while some minor works have been completed, further significant remedial work is needed once a fire safety solution has been determined by MPRL.
The report adds that the integrity of the structure, owing to the concrete defects, has been raised as an issue, should a fire occur. Owing to a lack of understanding of the condition of the structure, it is not known how the building would react in the event of a serious fire.
Although MPRL has installed a whole building fire alarm system a draft fire risk assessment for the building in June highlights a number of fire safety deficiencies and includes a recommendation for the reintroduction of a waking watch or the provision of dynamic fire exit signage.
MPRL, in discussion with KFRS, is also considering a building-wide tannoy system and a 24-hour concierge/manager to assist with evacuation in the event of a fire alarm.
The report to councillors says it remains unclear which fire safety solution MPRL will pursue.
In 2019 MPRL was issued with an enforcement notice for 15 fire safety failures following an inspection by a fire safety officer.
Leanne McMahon, Director for Protection, Prevention and Engagement at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS), said: “Following an inspection of Arlington House in April 2026, KFRS issued a letter to notify the responsible person of the remaining deficiencies under Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
“The safety of the public remains our priority, and we will continue to advise and support the Building Safety Regulator, which is the lead enforcing authority for this premises, while necessary fire safety works are completed.”
Building Safety Regulator next steps
The Building Safety Regulator is also considering further action according to the council report.
In May 2025 BSR took enforcement action, requiring MPRL to undertake surveys due to serious threats involving both structural failures and the potential for fire and smoke spread.
According to the council agenda following a request for an extension of time by MPRL, the BSR withdrew the first notice regarding the structural survey, and served the notice again requiring submission by 15 September 2025.
While MPRL has made various submissions to the BSR, the report says the company has not fully complied with the requirements. While further opportunities for compliance had been given by the BSR, MPRL’s most recent request for an extension of time was refused by the BSR.
The BSR confirmed at the last multi-agency meeting held on 6 August that they are considering their next steps.
Further security following arson at Arlington Arcade
The report to councillors also reveals that a fire deliberately started in the empty Arlington Arcade area in April happened after contractors opened up the old shop units and intruders gained access due to the perimeter not being properly secured. They then set light to timber, including the removed boarding, in one of the units.
Seven fire engines were sent to deal with the blaze and spent one hour bringing it under control.
The report to councillors says: “An urgent meeting was held on the day after the fire, with officers from the council, the BSR and KFRS in attendance, together with a representative of MPRL.
“Officers from the council’s Private Sector Housing and Building Control teams visited the building and surrounds to further investigate the causes of the fire and what actions MPRL had subsequently taken.
“The arson occurred shortly after MPRL’s contractors started on site. In order to prepare for the scaffolding, the vacant ground floor commercial units were opened up (they were previously boarded up).
“On the bank holiday, intruders accessed the site and set light to various timber materials, including the removed boarding, in one of the units. The smoke migrated into the upper common parts of the Arlington House, through the service risers and external windows.
“KFRS attended, and while no-one was harmed, the presence of smoke within the residential parts of the building was clearly distressing for residents, especially in the knowledge of the ongoing fire safety concerns.
“There were two issues that contributed to the arson. Firstly, the lack of effective site perimeter fencing, and secondly the insecure commercial units. It was clear that the whole site needed improved security following the fire.”
Additional site fencing has since been installed and the empty commercial units were cleared and re-secured.
During working hours contractors are on site and, following the fire, a security contractor has been put in place to provide regular patrols and monitoring during non-working hours.
Planned works
MPRL has started scaffolding and has an initial programme of works, which include:
● Renewal of roof coverings at main roof level and entrance canopy/common parts;
● Cleansing of the concrete façade and frame and application of concrete protection treatment;
● Undertaking of patch repairs to defective/spalled areas of concrete frame and façade;
● Cleansing and overhauling of the aluminium windows serving the flats, including replacing any broken glass where necessary;
● Repair, overhaul and redecoration of Crittall communal windows
● Concrete repair to structural column near Flat 12H.
The report will be discussed by the scrutiny panel on August 18.
