Based on advice from the London Fire Brigade and a range of industry experts, the council announced last year with cross-party support a programme to retro-fit sprinklers in 99 high rise blocks in the borough that are ten storeys or above to bring them up to current standards and improve fire safety in around 6,400 homes.

The council has since pro-actively referred the matter to a First Tier Property Tribunal, which will investigate the viability and rechargeability of the proposal looking at the council’s lease agreement and listening to any concerns leaseholders have.

Since 2007 national building regulations have required all new-build high rise blocks of 10 storeys or more to install sprinkler fire suppression systems.

The council will continue to seek additional funding from central government to assist with these and other fire safety works, and leaseholders would be given an extended interest-free period of 48 months to cover the estimated £4,000 cost of installation if the works proceed.

Modern accredited sprinkler systems are activated by heat rather than smoke and operate on an individual room-by-room basis. Installations are discreet, with pipework hidden, and accidental activations exceptionally rare.

Cllr Clare Salier, Cabinet Member for Housing, was shown the flat, which is nearing completion, on 16 March by the council’s Director of Housing and Regeneration, Brian Reilly.

She said: “The safety of tenants and leaseholders is of the utmost importance, and while the First Tier Property Tribunal investigates and hears representations from leaseholders, a detailed process which could take some time, this is an opportunity for our residents to see first hand what a modern sprinkler fire suppression system looks like, and it’s rather impressive.”

When the flat is completed the council will arrange for residents and Residents Associations to come and have a look round.

March 16, 2018