Decision details

Cabinet considered a response to the motion submitted to Council on 18^th July 2013.

Councillor G Merry had proposed, and Councillor J Weatherill had seconded, the following motion:

“The Council recognises the consequences of fire and the benefits of fitting fire sprinklers in properties.

The Council welcomes the decision of Cheshire Fire Authority to assist social landlords by part-funding the retro-fitting of sprinklers in some high-rise buildings.

The Council urges social landlords to complete a programme of sprinkler retro-fitting to all of their high-rise buildings and to act as advocates for the fitting of sprinklers.

The Council instructs its officers to use whatever powers are available to it to secure the fitting of sprinklers by others, where necessary changing Council’s own policies and its approach to implementation.

The Council instructs its officers to investigate the fitting of sprinklers in Council-owned properties.

The Council calls on the Secretary of State to legislate for sprinklers as a requirement in all new residential buildings.”

Councillor G Merry spoke in relation to the motion.

RESOLVED

That

1.  the Council lobby local Members of Parliament to promote any change to the Building Regulations to consider further the inclusion of sprinklers within new or adapted buildings;

2.  consideration be given to the implementation of sprinklers for all new Council-owned development subject to risk and cost; and

3.  consideration be given to suitable fire protection measures in areas of higher risk, for example residential care homes.