Documents seen by the BBC suggest savings were behind the switch to alumnium from zinc
Leaked documents appear to show that cheaper cladding was used on Grenfell Tower than more expensive alternatives.
Paperwork seen by the BBC suggested contractors working for Kensington and Chelsea council three years ago were asked to replace zinc cladding with a more economical aluminium version.
One document 鈥� described by the BBC as a list of requested savings sent to contractors in July 2014 鈥� details potential savings that reduced the cost of the contract by 拢700,000 to 拢8.5m.
It includes 拢293,368 that would be saved by fitting 鈥渁luminium cladding in lieu of zinc cladding鈥�.
The BBC said that as well as altering the colour the switch was designed to save money. The broadcaster added that there was no suggestion a deliberate decision had been made to cut fire safety.
Meanwhile The Times reported an 鈥渦rgent nudge email鈥� about cladding prices was sent from Kensington and Chelsea tenant management organisation to project management consultants Artelia, in which it said: 鈥淲e need good costs for Cllr Feilding-Mellen and the planner tomorrow at 8.45am!鈥�
Rock Feilding-Mellen, deputy leader of the council and chairman of its housing committee, was overseeing the refurbishment of the 1970s 24-storey block.
Yesterday, Kensington & Chelsea鈥檚 first council meeting to be held since the Grenfell fire barred residents from attending, admitted journalists only after media organisations had gained a High Court order.
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