Agenda item - Fire Safety Update

38.1           Grant Richie, the Lead Consultant – Health & Safety, introduced the fire safety update on the proposed installation of residential sprinklers to high rise blocks. There had been a consultation that produced a mixed response and now as a result the nature of the proposal had changed whereby the systems installed would be optional. The package of work would target all blocks over a five year period and ask all residents to take a sprinkler head above their front door to protect common areas. He added that potential damage caused by the sprinkler would not affect premiums of excess on insurance claims.

38.2           In response to residents, officers stated that blocks had to be six floors or more to constitute a high rise. Officers added that when the scheme was originally introduced the blocks were piloted based on their height and the number of residents, which was now seen to be a blunt tool. In future, other factors like age, mobility or even if the residents in a block were fatigued by too many works on their building would be considered.

38.3           In response to residents, officers stated that in regard to the fire door replacement scheme, only temporary door replacements were currently provided. They added that the combustible cladding was a modern issue that arose from building specifications from the mid-90s so not all properties required inspection.

38.4           The Chair stated that the vulnerability of buildings was based on the ease of escape, low-rise houses for instance could simply use a ladder and many residents have expressed that they felt safe enough. She added that the Grenfell tragedy was not comparable to any block construction in Brighton & Hove. The sprinkler programme was currently being rolled out across the city and once the Grenfell review was completed there may be more mandatory safety requirements to follow.

38.5           RESOLVED – That then panel agreed to note the report.