Sprinklers

[madr]

Hi All

We have just had a single storey extension built on a 4 bed property. In addition we've removed a partition wall between the front and second receptions (so its open from front all the way to the kitchen).

Building control have carried out their last visit but have stated that we require sprinkler system to be fitted? This is a surprise since other properties on the street do not have this and its a residential property that is not being rented out so I'm a bit puzzled. I appreciate the safety concerns but surely this is overkill for a terraced property?

In addition they have spotted that we have a basement (which was always there) and require the staircase for this to be completed re-done even though this is not in scope of the work being done?

Appreciate any advice on how to deal with this

 

[Notch7]

Ive only come sprinklers being needed where a stairwell has to be protected following a loft conversion.

Do you have a means of escape issue?

Have you asked them which part of part B is requiring this.

Is this the Grenfell effect?

 

[^woody^]

It's a three storey and so additional fire regulations apply.

 

[lt8480]

Before/after plans would help comment further, but as long as you have separation from the hall/stairs and fire doors to habitable rooms this is sufficient.

For dwellings spinklers are usually only required when 3 storeys or more and an open stairs say to a living room.

Why are they requesting the stairs to the basement to be changed / what have they said doesn't comply? If its just step rise/going then leaving them is fine as they are existing. But it may be the changes you have made mean you need to change to provide fire separation? Again hard to understand without plans. Or maybe you have changed the use of the basement say to a bedroom and added a bathroom?

 

[Nakajo]

If you're stuck , see if they'll accept mist suppression. It's typically cheaper, simpler to retrofit, and more discreet - and speak to your insurers