Blaze safety review as flat design queried

The calls come as North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service revealed it was reviewing the fire safety of the building.

Its main entrance is a narrow gated alley leading into a yard. At the other side of the flats, a steep grassed bank forms a barrier.

During the trial forensic scientist Jeffrey Gray claimed flammable material was stored in the hallway and the staircase produced a chimney effect that drew the fire up to the top floor.

Ryedale Councillor Paul Dixon said the authority had approved the plan because it provided affordable housing.

Buckrose Court owner Alan Foster applied in 2006 to extend a hostel by converting an old warehouse into 14 apartments.

Access from Commercial Street was, however, already poor. Coun Dixon said there were concerns about emergency access.

Mayor of Norton Paul Farndale said the Town Council had not given its approval.

But Mr Foster, who said he saw councillors unanimously pass the plans, said: "The police and fire service have been crawling around here for the past eight months. They have tested everything and found nothing wrong with any part of the building."

Trevor Lund, group manager of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Sevice's community risk section said: "We are continuing to look at the issues surrounding the incident in terms of the regulatory enforcement requirements relevant to the fire."