Contact: Colin Hinxman Ext: 7343

1. Summary

1.1. The following decision is sought:

1.2. That the Executive Member, Policy and Resources be advised as follows:

That it be a RECOMMENDATION to the County Council

That the policy of installing sprinkler systems in new stand-alone County Council buildings be endorsed and that the decision be considered on approval of design project appraisals in each case; that suitable opportunities be taken to incorporate sprinkler systems in buildings being extended or refurbished where appropriate, that provision be made within development briefs for sprinkler systems to be included where County Council land is being released for residential development; and district councils and other public authorities be encouraged to promote the provision of sprinkler systems in their building developments.

2. Reasons

2.1. This item was the subject of a motion put forward by Councillor K.G. Chapman at the September meeting of the County Council. It has been considered in detail by the Buildings, Land and Contracts Panel.

2.2. Numerous regulations govern the construction or adaptation of County Council buildings and there is extensive liaison between the Property, Business and Regulatory Services Department and the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service. In future the approach is likely to move away from regulations and towards a risk assessment for each building to be constructed, extended or refurbished by the County Council.

2.3. The County Council should now take the lead by starting a programme of installing sprinklers in its newly-constructed buildings, and should aim to encourage district councils and other public authorities to do likewise. Such a campaign could eventually lead to the installation of sprinkler systems in new homes. The County Council is felt to be well placed to set such an example since many of its buildings, notably schools and residential homes, represent valuable assets where both life and property would be at risk from fire. The presumption in new buildings should be in favour of sprinkler systems being installed and this will be an aspect to be taken into account when project appraisals are approved. There will also be cases of buildings being refurbished where the installation of sprinklers would be a suitable option, and again that can be determined at individual project appraisal stage. There is also scope for the County Council to exercise its influence by including the provision of sprinkler systems within the development brief when land is marketed for residential development.

3. Other Options considered and rejected

3.1. Taking no action - inappropriate, for the reasons summarised above.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1. None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1. Not applicable.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1. Not applicable

Approved by: (signature) Date: (date of decision)

Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E. 16 January 2003

5dR951202

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

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