Life saving sprinkler systems are set to be installed in 57 new build Fife Council homes.

Members of their Housing and Communities committee took the decision in principal at a meeting on Wednesday and also agreed a new build design standard that will provide enhanced energy performance.

The new properties will meet the new building regulations standards that will be introduced later in 2010 which will require a 30% minimum improvement in carbon emissions compared to previous regulations and the homes will also be built to Very Good Eco Homes standards. This will ensure that properties are highly efficient and affordable to run.

The energy performance standard will mean a new benchmark which will be implemented in the Council’s next two new build projects at Rosyth and Ladybank.

-- Advertisement --

The installation of domestic fire sprinklers and additional guidelines on reducing accidents will also help make the Council’s new homes even safer.

The sprinkler systems will automatically trigger in the event of a fire to dampen and extinguish a blaze in very early stages, preventing its spread through a home and saving lives. Additional improvements recommended by the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents will also be included such as secure child proof cupboards in the kitchens.

Councillor Brian Goodall, chair of the Housing and Communities committee, said: "This is excellent news and something which I’m proud to be involved in. The agreement in principal to put sprinkler systems into our new homes in Rosyth and Ladybank along with providing highly energy efficient properties sets a new standard which I think all new builds should meet and is a tremendous step forward for us.

"The sprinklers will also compliment the range of other safety measures including smoke alarms in our homes and prove we are doing everything we can to keep Fifers safe."

A further report will be brought to the next meeting of the Housing and Communities committee giving funding options for the new sprinklers.

(GK/CD)