A company responsible for a high-rise residential development has been fined £240,000 after failing to carry out critical fire safety improvements required by Birmingham council.
And the council is now saying this should be a warning to landlords in the city.
Avamore Limited, the company responsible for Solihull Heights, failed to comply with an Improvement Notice issued by the council which required the installation of a fire detection system across the site’s three tower blocks.
The system was designed to provide residents with early warning in the event of a fire involving the external walls of the buildings.
The company pleaded guilty at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court to failing to comply with the notice.
Following sentencing, a £360,000 fine was reduced to £240,000 due to the company’s early guilty plea.
Avamore Limited was also ordered to pay prosecution costs and a £2,000 victim surcharge.
A statement from Birmingham council says this is its latest bid to make high-rise homes safer.
Dedicated specialist officers continue to investigate fire safety concerns across the city, with 26 further developments currently subject to enforcement action.
Councillor Harris Khaliq, Cabinet Member for City Services and Digital, says:n”Residents should never be left worrying whether building owners are taking fire safety seriously or acting when risks are identified.
“This case sends a clear message. If landlords, developers or building owners ignore legal notices designed to protect residents, Birmingham City Council will take action and hold them to account.
“For too long, too many people have felt powerless when serious issues affecting their safety were ignored. Our job is to stand on the side of residents, not those who cut corners. That is exactly what we are doing.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today