Developer Fined £165,000 For Fire Safety Regulation Breaches During Warehouse To Apartments Conversion
A property developer has been fined £165,000 for repeated breaches of fire safety regulations during the conversion of a warehouse into residential flats putting lives at risk and prompting enforcement action from authorities.
The company based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, was found guilty of four offences after failing to implement even basic fire safety measures at a redevelopment site in Preston. The company’s actions were described by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as showing a “blatant disregard” for legal obligations and resident safety.
The project involved converting a warehouse into 35 flats, but inspections revealed serious failings. According to Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS), the building had no fire detection systems, no way of raising the alarm in case of a fire, and inadequate evacuation arrangements. As a result, a prohibition notice was issued on 16 May 2023, requiring residents already living there to vacate the premises.
Despite this, follow-up inspections in June and November 2023 found that construction work had continued, with no steps taken to address the serious fire risks. An HSE inspector also visited the site and issued a second prohibition notice, halting all further work until an effective fire safety plan was in place. But again, the construction company failed to comply.
HSE Inspector Christine McGlynn said: “The company showed a blatant disregard for fire safety and legal requirements. Every year, hundreds of fires occur on construction sites, risking lives and causing significant disruption, risks that can be avoided with proper planning and compliance.” Preston Magistrates’ Court found the company guilty in its absence, as the company is now in liquidation. In addition to the £165,000 fine, the court also ordered the payment of £10,512 in legal costs.
A spokesperson for LFRS added: “This case underlines the critical responsibility developers, property owners, and managers have when it comes to fire safety. Compliance is not optional—it’s essential for protecting lives.”
This case highlights the need for a fire risk assessment across all aspects of commercial activity including concept design, project implementation and ongoing measures. Fire Risk Assessments are a legal requirement in all commercial properties. The high level of expertise required to undertake the assessment and complete the required PAS-79 formatted document is critical to ensure you and your properties are protected. We have a page dedicated to this aspect at https://sssystems.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/
#FireAlarms #FireRiskAssessment #FireSafetyEquipment #FireAlarmMaintenance #AccessControl #CCTV
