A FEASIBILITY report looking into fitting sprinklers in all high-rise blocks in Solihull has ‘confirmed it can be done’.
Solihull Council launched the report following the inquiries into the Grenfell Tower disaster.
The borough is now discussing how to install sprinkler systems with a technical team at West Midlands fire service.
Subject to funding, the renovations could start this year – but the council wants the government to provide the cash.
The fire safety improvements would be at apartments managed by Solihull Community Housing.
In a report to Councillor Karen Grinsell, portfolio holder for health, finance manager Karen Cranley wrote: “Solihull has 37 high-rise buildings and during 2019 Solihull community Housing commissioned a feasibility study to assess whether sprinklers could be retro-fitted.
“The report has confirmed this can be done with feedback expected from the fire service in approximately four weeks time.”
Overall spending on housing stock is set to be £23million over the coming year, out of £50million available to the council for homes spending.
The main bulk of spending will go on repairs and upgrades to Solihull Community Housing homes, with £12million allocated for the coming year.
