Agenda item

To consider the attached report (C-004-2019/20).

(1)        That, following endorsement by the Communities Select Committee, the Fire Safety Policy for Council owned housing accommodation be adopted; and

(2)        That, subject to obtaining building regulations approval and listed building consent, the retro-fitting of sprinkler systems into temporary housing accommodation sites at Norway House and Hemnall House be approved.

The Housing and Property Services Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the fire and safety policy and installation of sprinklers in council owned properties. It was noted that on 15^th January 2019, the Communities Select Committee considered a draft Fire Safety Policy for Council owned housing accommodation and recommended its endorsement to Cabinet.  The policy set out the principles and guidelines that the Council would apply to identify, assess and reduce the risks to residents of personal injury or damage to homes caused by fire and to ensure compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Its adoption is a key decision as it raises new issues of policy.

The Communities Select Committee also considered the retro-fitting of sprinkler systems into residential accommodation at Norway House in North Weald and Hemnall House in Epping and had recommended their installation to Cabinet.

Councillor Bedford endorsed this report as being the way forward. He noted that officers would also be investigating the possibilities of match funding from the fire authorities.

Councillor Lion agreed that this was an excellent report, but he had observed on recent visits to such properties that some exits had been blocked by washing or other items in the corridors and he would like to remind people that a serious look needed to be taken at this.

Councillor Chris Pond commented that Councillor Roberts, who could not attend this meeting, had asked him to ask that this work be closely supervised so as not to damage existing fire structures. Also, this report did not take into account the other multiple occupied dwellings run by EFDC especially those of recent construction in Burton Road. It would be worth looking at this issue again. Councillor Holly Whitbread said that she would take these comments on board.

Councillor Murray asked why nothing had been recommended for the flats around Highwood Lane; did it include the three blocks in Marlescroft Way and Longcroft Rise as well. The blocks were identical so he could not understand why it only mentioned Highwood Lane. Mr Mitchell (Property Maintenance) replied that as he did not have the paperwork with him he would get back to Councillor Murray with an answer.

Councillor S Kane asked for the Portfolio Holder’s assurance that they would be pursuing the match funding with the Fire Service. The Portfolio Holder gave this assurance.

Decision:

(1)        That, following endorsement by the Communities Select Committee, the Fire Safety Policy for Council owned housing accommodation be adopted; and

(2)        That, subject to obtaining building regulations approval and listed building consent, the retro-fitting of sprinkler systems into temporary housing accommodation sites at Norway House and Hemnall House be approved.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

An approved Fire Safety Policy will provide a robust fire safety framework that secures the safety and wellbeing of occupiers of, and visitors to, the Council’s residential accommodation.

The installation of sprinkler systems into properties with vulnerable residents will enable them to live safely within this “higher risk” category of accommodation.

Other Options for Action:

Not to follow the recommendations of the Communities Select Committee and not endorse the Fire Safety Policy or approve the installation of sprinkler systems.