The debate over the decision by the Welsh Assembly to make it law for all new homes in Wales to be fitted with fire sprinklers has become personal. Ann Jones Labour Assembly Member for the Vale of Clwyd has branded Steve Morgan of Redrow Homes "reckless" for claiming compulsory fire sprinklers in homes would deter house building in Wales, particularly in the poorer areas.
Now there is no question that fire sprinkler systems do work and can save lives but is making them compulsory in new homes a step too far? Would it be better to encourage developers, by legislation if need be, to actively promote the obvious benefits and provide the option at a fair price to those who can afford them?
Undoubtedly you could argue that for house builders under pressure to build affordable homes against a background of falling house prices, increasing costs from environmental legislation and a slump in house sales means the timing of the fire sprinkler mandate could not be worse.
Ms Jones dismisses all this and rejects Redrow's and many other house builders estimates that the cost could be as high as £3500 by claiming it would "only" be between £1000 and £3000. She also accuses the developers of only wishing to protect their profit margins insisting that they should be able to absorb the extra cost. Well for all the fire sprinkler contractors out there, what would your estimate of cost be? Do you agree with Ms Jones?
Wales is the only country in the world to rule that all new homes are fitted with fire sprinklers and Ms Jones was evangelical in fighting for the legislation to be passed. Worthy though her efforts are should there be a place for rational and considered debate? The decision to install fire sprinklers in the Portsmouth "Blade" project demonstrated that Town planners, developers and the fire and rescue services can work together to balance the business imperative with occupants' safety.
Any views?
