Why it matters: Dragon Wood Homes Ltd and its director, Paul Whyman, ignored repeated fire safety warnings at Cliff House on Chevalier Road, leaving residents vulnerable to rapid fire spread.
The details: Ipswich Crown Court today sentenced the company to a £40,000 fine and Whyman to 12 months' community service with 180 hours of unpaid work. Both must also pay £15,000 each in legal costs within 12 months.
The case centres on the former hotel, which was converted into 26 luxury apartments in 2017. Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service identified multiple serious deficiencies during inspections from 2018, including inadequate fire compartmentation that could allow flames to spread rapidly throughout the six-storey building.
Despite receiving enforcement notices and having "repeated opportunities" to fix the problems, the developer failed to carry out necessary work.
What they're saying: His Honour Judge David Pugh emphasised it was "not acceptable" for Whyman or Dragon Wood Homes to ignore professional fire safety advice, noting the failures were supported by two independent expert reports.
The building still cannot safely use the "stay put" evacuation strategy typically employed in purpose-built flats, and the enforcement notice remains active.
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public health and public protection, said: "This outcome sends a clear message: we will not tolerate developers or property owners who ignore their legal responsibilities and put people's lives at risk."
What's next: The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service will continue to support Cliff House residents while monitoring ongoing safety concerns at the premises.
The bottom line: This sentencing demonstrates that Suffolk authorities will pursue developers through the courts when fire safety standards are ignored, prioritising resident safety over cost-cutting shortcuts.
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