Inside Housing has obtained a copy of the assessment, carried out in January on the Samuel Garside block where dozens of apartments were badly damaged by fire on 9 June.

The assessment said external cladding, wooden joists and deck balconies were a “significant hazard” that could put residents at risk of smoke inhalation and burn injuries.

The assessment, carried out for building manager RMG by assessor Osterna, said: “It is assessed that the wooden decks and joists are over 90mm thick and should have been formed of or treated with fire resistant materials but this could not be confirmed during the assessment.

“If a balcony does catch fire it should be noted that this will accelerate fire spread through either setting the balcony above alight or through entering the flats through open windows and this will put residents and visitors at risk of smoke inhalation and burn injuries.”

The fire damaged 47 flats, including eight flats that will take six months to make habitable. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.