Redstone House Harlow

Residents in Harlow are being supported after Essex County Fire and Rescue Service took the difficult decision to serve a prohibition notice on Redstone House in Harlow town centre following significant fire safety concerns.

The prohibition notice was served on Dunlap Property Solutions, the owners of the building, last night (Wednesday 7 May) and means that the residents living in the 20 occupied flats have been asked to move out as of 10am today (Thursday 8 May). The residents affected are being supported by Harlow Council, and other agencies working in partnership including Essex County Council, Essex Police, and health partners. These partners are working with the owners of the building to make sure that the residents are supported into alternative accommodation.

James Taylor, Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said:  

“We have issued a prohibition notice against Redstone House, Harlow. This means the owners for the building must ask residents to evacuate the building immediately as we believe there is a threat to life related to fire safety.  

“Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will only ever serve a prohibition notice when it is absolutely necessary. We never want people to have to leave their homes, but our responsibility is to keep people safe and protect them from the risk of fire.   

“In this instance we are clear that the property does not meet fire regulations. Specifically, the Service believes if there was a fire in the building there is potential this would remain undetected and pose significant risk to those living in the building. This would mean residents would not be able to evacuate quickly and safely and which would put residents at a higher risk of serious injury or death. 

“It would therefore have been highly irresponsible for our Service not to immediately prohibit the use of the building.” 

Councillor Dan Swords, Leader of Harlow Council, said:  

“Harlow Council has been working closely with the building owner and other partners to support all those affected, with the priority to ensure all residents are supported into alternative accommodation. The action being taken by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is absolutely necessary to keep the residents of Redstone House safe. 

From the time we were advised of the formal decision by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, our teams have been working around the clock to so we are ready to assist.”