A construction company has been handed a £165,000 fine after repeatedly failing to uphold basic fire safety measures while converting a warehouse into 35 flats.

Glovers Court Ltd, based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, showed a “blatant disregard” for fire precautions during the redevelopment in Preston, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Due to safety concerns, some residents were forced to vacate the premises.

An inspection by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) found that the site had no fire detection system, no means of raising the alarm in the event of a fire, and lacked sufficient evacuation arrangements.

The company was found guilty of four offences at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

LFRS initially visited the Glovers Court site on 16 May 2023 while works were still ongoing. A prohibition notice was issued at the time, which required those already living in the building to leave.

An HSE inspector also visited and discovered that fire precautions remained inadequate, with the firm failing in its duty to protect workers and residents. As a result, HSE issued its own prohibition notice, halting further construction until a proper fire management plan was implemented.

Despite this, follow-up visits in June and November 2023 found that construction had continued and no action had been taken to address the outstanding safety issues.

HSE inspector Christine McGlynn said the company had demonstrated a “blatant disregard” for both fire safety and legal requirements.
“Each year there are estimated to be hundreds of fires on construction sites, potentially putting the lives of workers and members of the public at risk,” she stated.
She added that such incidents not only endanger lives but can also result in significant damage and costly delays, risks that can be mitigated through careful planning and adherence to safety protocols.

Glovers Court Ltd, now in liquidation, was found guilty in its absence. In addition to the £165,000 fine, the court ordered the company to pay £10,512 in costs.

A spokesperson for LFRS emphasised: “The prosecution highlighted the critical importance property developers, owners and managers must give to fire safety.”

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