Dragon Wood Homes Ltd and its director, Mr Paul Whyman, were sentenced today (25 July 2025) at Ipswich Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to failing to comply with a Fire Enforcement Notice issued by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
The Enforcement Notice was served in relation to Cliff House, Chevalier Road, a former hotel converted into luxury residential apartments in 2017. SFRS officers identified multiple serious deficiencies during inspections beginning in 2018, including inadequate fire compartmentation, which posed a risk of rapid fire spread throughout the building.
Despite repeated opportunities to rectify the issues, the developer failed to undertake the necessary work. Legal action was taken by SFRS against both the company and Mr Whyman.
At an earlier hearing on 5 February 2025, both parties pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court. Sentencing was delivered today by His Honour Judge David Pugh.
In summing up, HHJ Pugh stated that SFRS had identified significant fire safety failures, which were supported by two independent expert reports. He emphasised that it was not acceptable for Mr Whyman or Dragon Wood Homes Ltd to ignore the professional advice provided.
- Mr Whyman was given a 12-month community order, requiring him to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
- Dragon Wood Homes Ltd was fined £40,000.
- Both Mr Whyman and the company were also ordered to pay £15,000 each in legal costs within 12 months.
The Enforcement Notice remains in force, and fire safety deficiencies continue to affect the premises, which still cannot safely adopt a “stay put” evacuation strategy typically used in purpose-built flats.
Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Public Protection, said:
“This outcome sends a clear message: we will not tolerate developers or property owners who ignore their legal responsibilities and put people’s lives at risk.
“Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service has acted with patience and professionalism throughout this lengthy process, always with the safety of residents at the heart of their actions. Everyone deserves to live in a safe home. While we are pleased that justice has been served, it is deeply regrettable that it took this level of enforcement to reach a resolution.”
SFRS remains committed to protecting the public and will continue to support residents of Cliff House while monitoring the ongoing safety concerns at the premises.
