Luxury seafront apartments put 'lives at risk'

Cliff House, in Felixstowe, was converted into a block of luxury seafront flats in 2017

People living in a luxury seafront apartment block were put at risk by a property development firm that repeatedly failed to address serious fire safety breaches, a council said.

Dragon Wood Homes Ltd and its director Paul Whyman were served an enforcement notice in relation to Cliff House in Chevalier Road, Felixstowe, Suffolk in 2017.

In 2018, "multiple serious deficiencies" were identified, with Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) investigators ruling there was a risk of rapid fire spreading throughout the building.

At Ipswich Crown Court, Whyman was given a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, while the company was fined £40,000.

Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection, said the court's decision sent "a clear message".

"We will not tolerate developers or property owners who ignore their legal responsibilities and put people's lives at risk," he said.

Both Whyman, 54, and the firm were also ordered to pay £15,000 each in legal costs within 12 months by judge David Pugh.

They were sentenced after previously pleading guilty to failing to comply with a fire enforcement notice issued by SFRS.

'Deeply regrettable'

Cliff House, previously a hotel, was converted into a six-storey block of 26 apartments in 2017, but the conversion did not meet the required fire safety standards.

The court heard how Whyman and the company had repeated opportunities to rectify the issues, but they failed to undertake the necessary work.

"While we are pleased that justice has been served, it is deeply regrettable that it took this level of enforcement to reach a resolution," added Mr Wiles.

"Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has acted with patience and professionalism throughout this lengthy process, always with the safety of residents at the heart of their actions," he added.

The enforcement notice remains in force and fire safety deficiencies continue to affect the premises.

A fire service spokesperson said: "SFRS remains committed to protecting the public will continue to support residents of Cliff House while monitoring the ongoing safety concerns at the premises."

The BBC has contacted Suffolk County Council and SFRS to clarify what the safety issues involve.