Agenda item

[To receive a briefing note on fire safety matters relating to the privately owned tower blocks in Wolverhampton]. 

The Programme Manager gave a short presentation on the latest information relating to the private tower blocks in Wolverhampton.  In May 2018 the MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) had directed Local Authorities to use their Housing Act Powers to address any issues in the area, predominately focusing on ACM cladding, but there were other stipulations relating to addressing other fire safety hazards.  The scope of the work related to buildings of 18 metres and above.  There were 7 private housing blocks at 18m or above.  An additional building had just been identified as coming into scope, which was the Market Square apartments located a short distance from the Civic Centre.

The Programme Manager commented that the Liberty Heights Blocks, the three student accommodation blocks off the Wednesfield Road, had recently changed ownership and had been purchased by a large national organisation called Unite.  He had so far had one conversation with them.  A fire safety inspection report had been issued in August 2019.  The Property Services Team of the Freeholder had carried out a site visit to consider the inspection findings and was awaiting the action plan for carrying out remedial work.  Due to the change in ownership the remedial work had not been completed as quickly as he would have liked. 

The Programme Manager with reference to the Studios in Birch Street advised that a fire safety inspection report had been issued in April 2019.  The Business Manager had been advised that all the remedial work had been carried out.  They would be arranging a follow up visit to check all the required work had been completed to a high standard.

The Programme Manager remarked that Hampton View on Woden Road, whilst owned by the Council, was on long-term lease to Sanctuary Housing.  They were in the process of carrying out extensive refurbishment works which had included the replacement of fire doors.  The installation of a sprinkler system was planned.  A review of the works carried out to date would occur in the Spring. 

The Programme Manager with reference to St. Cecelia’s in Heath Town remarked that the fire safety report issued in December 2018 had identified a number of issues.  The Temporary Service Manager for Private Sector Housing added that St. Cecelia’s had been identified as one of the highest risks due to the age of the building, its nature of ownership and problems discovered following inspections by the Fire Service.  The Council had been liaising closely with West Midlands Fire Service to plan remedial works, which had included meetings with the managing agent.  The Council had also commissioned specialist legal guidance to identify liability for costs for fire safety works between the building freeholder, leaseholders and the Right to Manage Company.  The remedial works would commence soon.

The Programme Manager commented that the Fire Service and officials from the Council had visited the Market Square Apartments on the 28 January 2020 to carry out an initial fire safety audit.  He was awaiting the publication of the initial inspection report.  He concluded the presentation by commenting that the Council needed to be as pro-active as it could be in relation to fire safety matters in preparation for the new legislation being introduced. 

The Chair stated that he was very pleased to hear of the continuing good work in relation to fire safety in the private sector. 

A representative from the Fire Service commented that there were buildings which they had issues with, and they wanted to familiarise themselves with all of them.  They asked if some thought could be given as to how best this could be facilitated working with the Council and the private sector.