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The council all too regularly discovers buildings that
have been converted without the necessary planning and building
regulation approvals that exist to ensure that occupiers are not at
risk.
Owners who rent out such dangerous buildings could be prosecuted
and have the use of the building prohibited by the council or the
fire service. The council can also require the demolition of the
building if there is no planning approval.
In December a 65-year-old Forest Gate man died as a result of a
fire in a garage that had been converted into living accommodation.
The incident is still being investigated and could result in
prosecution.
Councillor Andrew Baikie, executive member for housing and
public protection, said: "Landlords who may be thinking of
converting outbuildings or garages into extra rooms need to be
aware of the steps that can be taken to avoid the potential risk of
fire.
"Newham Council will continue to work with the fire service to
ensure that the health, safety and welfare of residents are not put
at risk by those who may not be converting buildings
legitimately."
Landlords converting property must ensure that work carried out
does not cause danger to health and safety. Changes that are made
must not affect flues from heating appliances, ventilation openings
that serve heating appliances, ventilation openings to rooms and
existing means of escape in case of fire.
People who may be renting accommodation in converted garages,
sheds or other outbuildings and are concerned that landlords may
not have converted the buildings properly can contact the council's
Private Sector Housing Team on 0208 430 3793.
Newham Borough fire commander John Talbot said: "Fires in the
home are the main cause of fire deaths and landlords must make sure
there are adequate fire safety measures in place for tenants. The
worst outcome is where an occupier makes the ultimate sacrifice and
loses his or her life because they were unable to escape from the
building in a fire.
"It could easily be avoided simply by following the regulations
that are in place, getting a smoke alarm or planning your escape
route in the event of a fire."
Newham's firefighters will carry out free home safety visits.
People can contact the London Fire Brigade on 08000 284428 and
quote the Newham 09 project. |