A sprinkler system will not be installed in a tower block of shared ownership flats but will be introduced to apartments next door which are sold to private buyers, it has been revealed.

Genesis Housing is offering 50 flats in seven-story Richmond House in Victoria Avenue on a shared ownership basis.

The former Carby House office block and the neighbouring Heath House, now Beaumont Court, are being converted into flats.

Developers Randall Watts, based in Southend, have installed a sprinkler system in Beaumont Court flats, which are being sold to private buyers. An offer to do the same with Richmond House was declined.

Southend Council is also said to have unsuccessfully urged the housing association to install the system.The council is currently investigating safety in both its own tower blocks and those privately owned following the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

A public inquiry is underway into the disaster along with an independent review being led by Dame Judith Hackitt, which could see new laws brought in to ensure such systems are put into buildings below the current requirement of eight storeys.

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible for housing, said: “It is a missed opportunity and foolish not to install a sprinkler system now. To wait for the outcome of the inquiry is foolish in the extreme.”

A Genesis spokesman said: “Richmond House is fully compliant with building regulations and fire safety requirements. Sprinklers are not currently required or recommended in buildings of this type as it is only seven storeys high with two stairwells for evacuation in the event of fire. Genesis takes fire safety very seriously. Richmond House already fulfils all safety requirements.”

MP Sir David Amess said: “I am of the view that an immediate risk assessment should be carried out by the owners of tower blocks. It is much more economical to fit sprinklers in new buildings.”