A report into a block of flats has highlighted material used when it was first built did not meet building regulations. 

The details relate to Cardinal Lofts with a report dating from 2020 reviewing how the building met regulations at the time and against current government policy.

On March 14 Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service issued a second prohibition notice for the building, meaning all residents have had to leave their homes.

The report highlighted areas around cladding and found materials used in the loft's external walls were not compliant with the rules when it was first built.

The review recommended remedial works should be carried out as soon as possible.

A separate document shows an area building control surveyor from Ipswich Borough Council signed off the certificate back in 2010 following an inspection.

The certificate confirmed that “as far as the local authority has been able to ascertain the substantive requirements of the building regulations are satisfied”.

A spokesperson for Ipswich Borough Council said: “Investigations into the structure of the building are ongoing and until the outcome is known it is not appropriate for the council to comment.”

The 2020 report's fire engineering review stated that there are potentially “large amounts of combustible materials forming part of the external wall build-up" and that there is a lack of cavity barriers and fire stopping.

Metal panels on the outside of the building and the balcony decks could allow fire to spread, it added.

Ipswich Star: Cardinal Lofts in Foundry Lane, NewsquestCardinal Lofts in Foundry Lane, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

The report continues: “The omission of cavity barriers is a significant departure from the guidance both at the time of construction and currently.

“This creates a potential for unseen fire spread via the external wall cavities, and therefore fire spread to other compartments from the compartment of origin.

“The risk is further exacerbated by the presence of combustible materials in the external wall, particularly at the top three levels where higher risk class E materials are present.”

According to the document, there is “a lack of cavity barrier in the wall cavity and fire stopping”, which significantly increases the risk of fire spreading across the building."