LIVES are being endangered because houses are being converted into flats without planning permission and without meeting building regulations, a fire chief has warned.

A senior fire officer spoke out after a devastating fire in Westcliff left at least three families homeless. One of the two homes in Albion Road damaged by the blaze did not have planning permission to be converted into three flats.

Firefighters say these flats are more dangerous for people to escape from – and for the crews sent in to search for people and tackle flames.

Assistant divisional officer Martyn Hodder, Southend station commander, said: “When houses have been divided into flats without obeying the proper regulations, it makes them far more difficult for our firefighters to search in the event of a fire.

“We often find when a house has been converted properly, in co-operation with building regulators, then they are fitted with smoke alarms, fire-resistant doors and proper escape routes, whereas when they have been converted without permission they do not.

“This makes them more dangerous for both residents and any firefighters who have to conduct a search of the building when a fire has broken out.”

Rosemary Thomas, neighbourhood watch coordinator for the area, raised concerns about the number of people living in the three small bedsits, including one family with four children.

Mrs Thomas, who lives in the road, said: “Six months ago the house was sold. It was converted into flats and all these people moved in. There was no planning permission to do this. I reported it, but the council didn’t seem to care. Week after week I was calling to see what was being done about it.

“We were worried about the conditions and what might happen. There were too many people living there. They didn’t even have proper facilities.”

The council received a report of unauthorised development on June 9 last year, and issued an enforcement notice. But an appeal was lodged on February 16 by two separate landlords, and has not yet been resolved.

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible for adult social care, said: “Our officers need all the help we can get as soon as possible to ensure all conversions have been done properly and in accordance with planning and building regulations.

“Unfortunately, one of the problems is the legal process can take a long time, because of the law and not because of any delays by the council.”

The fire, on July 4, is believed to have started when a cleaning product was set alight at the back of the converted house. It quickly spread to the houses, gutting them. An investigation by the fire service is ongoing and it is appealing for anyone who took photos of the fire to send them in to help with its investigation.

Pictures can be sent to michelle.archard@nqe.com