Grenfell lunchtime update
Today we heard from expert witness Beryl Menzies, who is a specialist in building control.

Discussion revolved around the role of building control on large construction projects and its application at Grenfell.

Ms Menzies began by running through what she thought the role of the building safety inspector was, and whether it was a ‘safety net’ for construction projects

Two types of building control

Approved inspectors – private firms

Local authority - Council run

RBKC building control was in charge at Grenfell.

LA departments had been under pressures to achieve 'cost neutrality' since 2010

Turning to Grenfell, Ms Menzies was asked whether she believed John Hoban, the council’s inspector, should have allowed the full plan at Grenfell to get through. She said that it should have been rejected on what she had seen.

She also said that the markings provided by RBKC’s Paul Hanson on designs by contractors during the Grenfell project had ‘overstepped the line’ and this approach was ‘very rare’.

Evidence from Studio E and Rydon sugg they had both seen the building control as ensuring compliance. Ms Benzies was asked whether there was confusion in the sector about the role of building control at time of Grenfell, she said there shouldn’t have been, particularly in London

The confusion around the building control sector guidance was summed up by Menzies when providing clarity on guidance from inquiry chair Sir Martin Moore-Bick. After clarifying, she said....

The session ended with discussion over what the competencies of building inspectors should be, and what they should know with regard to building safety and the safety of materials. Ms Menzies stated that a competent building control officer would know about the dangers of ACM.