Residents of a luxury seafront apartment complex, Cliff House, in Felixstowe, have been placed in harm's way due to egregious fire safety violations by Dragon Wood Homes Ltd and its director, Paul Whyman. Since its conversion from a hotel to a six-storey block of 26 apartments in 2017, significant fire safety shortcomings have existed, which Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) flagged as a potential risk for rapid fire spread within the building.
Following a series of enforcement notices issued against them, Whyman and his company were taken to court, where they were found guilty of neglecting their legal responsibilities to ensure adequate fire safety measures. In a decision by Ipswich Crown Court, Whyman received a 12-month community order, mandating 180 hours of unpaid work, and was also fined £40,000. Additionally, the firm was ordered to pay £15,000 in legal costs.
Steve Wiles, cabinet member for public health and protection at Suffolk County Council, expressed satisfaction with the court's ruling, emphasizing the importance of holding developers accountable for their duty to protect residents' safety. He remarked that it was unfortunate that such stringent enforcement was necessary to ensure compliance. The ongoing deficiencies continue to concern local authorities, with the fire service committed to monitoring the situation and supporting the residents as they navigate these safety challenges.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adherence to fire safety regulations and the responsibilities of property developers in safeguarding the well-being of their occupants.
