Removal of Fire Door - French door/Open plan kitchen

[chelica2]

Dear all,

I would appreciate an opinion on the following situation.

I moved into the flat in 2007 and set out to remodel it. I submitted proposed alterations to landlord (council) , which wee rejected.
The alteration in question consists of removing part of the wall between kitchen and living room to either make it an open-plan or install French door later on. There was an exisitng opening (narrower though) and no fire door when I moved in.
Council's argument for refusal is that Fire door was present in original design (judged by other flats in the block) , hence I need to (re)install fire door.

Can I do away with fire door and if so, what is the argument (i.e. Fire regulation)?
Is there a fire door in the shape of french door ?

Thanks! View media item 21074

 

[God]

I would assume there is, but it would have to be hardwood half hour resistant and then the frame the same , then the glazing and all the seals. will be expensive
http://www.magnettrade.co.uk/trade/joinery/subsubcategories/doors/internal

 

[chelica2]

Thanks!

Would you know if there is any regulation that mandates fire door between kitchen and living room (in my case) ?

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

There used to be (I think) but there certainly isn't now. As the kitchen is the likeliest location for a fire to start it is considered the most dangerous room. However as your kitchen is located where it is, its in the best possible location. Having said all that, council landlords are generally speaking Bozos and seem reluctant to move with the times though so you can ignore them if you wish. Do they make inspections or similar? I have no idea. Realistically having no door there will cause little risk to your safety. Hope you've got a smoke alarm though!

 

[chelica2]

Thanks!

I do have a smoke alarm, right by the opening between the kitchen and living room.