Fire chiefs have raised alarms over escape routes from a tower block which has been converted to provide accommodation for 80 homeless families.

Needy people from the London borough of Newham were due to move into Anchorage House in Chatham in October.

But specialists from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who have inspected the 11-storey former office building, have expressed safety fears which has delayed the move.

Suzanna Chisholm, head of building safety, said: “Our officers completed an inspection at Anchorage House in High Street, Chatham and found several fire safety concerns relating to means of escape and general fire safety precautions.

“We have been working with the responsible person to ensure these issues are rectified and will continue to provide support and advice when necessary.”

A spokesman for London-based Theori, the firm behind the plans, said: “The fire services are aware of the requirements and the remedial arrangements.

“The building will not be tenanted until these works are completed.”

Meanwhile, Medway Council, which has its own housing problems, has confirmed it is now in ongoing discussions with Newham over how it will cope with such a high influx of people from outside the area.

Cllr Naushabah Kahn, who is portfolio holder for housing and property, said finding school placements for the new temporary residents was of particular concern.

She said: “We have a duty to find schools for children, but I believe secondary schools are at full capacity in Medway.”

Cllr Khan, who said the council was not consulted about the deal brokered by a private housing association and the local authority, is now involved in ongoing discussions.

She said: “We were never approached. The first we knew about it was when we heard beds were being delivered.”

The move was clinched by Theori Housing Management Services which bypassed the usual planning process overseen by the council to approve change of use from office to residential.

The procedure, known as permitted development rights, means Medway is powerless to prevent other local authorities from relocating residents to alleviate their own housing crisis. It also does not receive any contribution from the developer towards community facilities.

A spokesman for Newham Council claimed Medway families would be offered some of the units.

But Cllr Khan said the council did not deem Anchorage House as “suitable” for temporary accommodation.

It also did not have the resources to pay the rates charged.

She said: “For a rich London borough, this is a good deal and much cheaper than paying to put people up in London

“Here in Medway, we don’t have the budget to pay half what they can.”

Cllr Khan also expressed worries about possible hazards uncovered by the fire brigade.

She said: “For us, safety is of paramount importance.

“We have always been aware of Anchorage House but don’t think it is a suitable building. It’s been quite well done up, but it is an office building.

“There are no amenities there, especially for families with children.”

Cllr Khan was critical of the PDR system and feared it could open the floodgates for more out-of-area people moving here, impacting its already financially-pressed services.

She said: “Housing is very challenging for us. It’s tough out there. And with PDR the law is not on our side.”

Newham has pledged to help with social care support for those moving in adding it has an “ongoing duty” to provide alternative accommodation for tenants.

It will also provide a point of contact for individual issues.

A spokesman for Newham Council said: “The safety of future residents moving into Anchorage House is of utmost importance for us and we are doing some work to make sure that the building is 100% safe.

“We are also working collaboratively with Kent Fire Services to ensure the concerns raised are being addressed. Residents will be able to move into the building once we have confirmed it is safe for them to do so.

“With the huge housing demand and rising rents in London, local authorities like Newham are facing increasing costs for properties combined with an increasing shortage of suitable accommodation.

“Anchorage House offers good quality self-contained accommodation that we have identified as a more affordable solution that will provide warm and safe homes for our residents.

“The households are currently in emergency temporary accommodation including hotels.”