Brighton Residents Group Considers Legal Challenge After Fire Destroyed Their Homes

Some families are considering a legal campaign against housing provider The Guinness Partnership after twelve homes in Brighton were engulfed by flames after fire spread through cladding on their flats.

The former residents of a building at 122-124 Pankhurst Avenue said they were left traumatised after their homes were destroyed by a fire in September 2019.

They, along with other nearby residents, have announced through legal representatives that they are considering legal action against their landlord, The Guinness Partnership, along with others such as the builders and architects.

On the evening of 20 September 2019, flames left the building seriously damaged with all residents being evacuated including those residents from the neighbouring block and houses.

The fire caused considerable damage to the three-story building, including completely destroying the roof and the top floor which contained four flats.

Some residents reported their homes and belongings were entirely destroyed.

The building was later demolished.

Whilst the cause of the fire was accidental, the families believe the extent of the fire could have been prevented had the building been properly designed and/or constructed which would have prevented the rapid spread of fire.

The families, through their legal representatives Hodge Jones and Allen, also say that had Guinness undertaken proper investigations these defects could have been identified earlier.

As the legal challenge enters a fund-raising stage, the housing provider has admitted "the building did not perform as it should have done in the event of a fire", but has emphasised different aspects of the situation.

A spokesperson from The Guinness Partnership said:

"We have been working with and supporting residents of Pankhurst Avenue, Brighton since the fire which destroyed the homes at 122-124 Pankhurst Avenue.

"The homes at Pankhurst Avenue were built in 2008.  

"The building did not perform as it should have done in the event of a fire.  

"Following their investigation, there has been no suggestion by East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service of negligence on the part of the Guinness Partnership.

"Residents rightly state that part of their campaign is about "showing landlords that they cannot get away with ignoring safety concerns".

"At no point prior to the fire had residents raised fire safety concerns with us.

"We have shared with residents the fact that we are developing proposals to rebuild the estate.  We believe this will enhance confidence in the safety of the homes.

"We cannot comment on any action being taken by ourselves or our insurers against third parties involved in the design or construction of, or building control approval for, the homes at Pankhurst Avenue."

But this statement has not deflected Brenel Menezes, an Associate at Hodge Jones and Allen who is representing the families.

He said:

“For too long the former residents of Pankhurst Avenue have had their questions about what led to the destruction of their homes ignored.

"It is clear that this building did not meet fire safety standards – and we believe this is down to the negligence of The Guinness Partnership, and others.

"The time for waiting patiently for an explanation is over, the families deserve answers.”