A landlord and his company have been told to pay £246,000 for serious fire safety failures at two residential properties in Lancashire.

Fire safety officers found a raft of problems at Belgrave Chapel in Darwen and Victoria Hall in Bacup including obstructed escape routes, damaged fire doors, missing fire-resisting glazing, inadequate fire detection measures and fire alarm systems that were either switched off or without power.

Jamie Carter pleaded guilty to 11 offences and JC Land Investments Limited pleaded guilty to nine offences and were sentenced at Preston Crown Court following convictions for multiple breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Carter had entered guilty pleas in August 2025 and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. He was also fined £8,652 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £156. JC Land Investments was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190. They were ordered to pay a combined total of £37,293 in costs.

Deficiencies

Officers inspected Victoria Hall in October 2021, identified significant fire safety deficiencies and issued an enforcement notice. Four weeks later, a prohibition notice was issued at Belgrave Chapel after further serious safety concerns were spotted.

The fire service reports that both premises were occupied at the time of inspection, with deficiencies that could have prevented residents from escaping quickly and safely in the event of a fire. As a result of the investigation, it prosecuted both Carter and his firm for failing to comply with the Fire Safety Order and associated enforcement action.

Ian Armistead, group manager for protection at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, says: “Mr Jamie Carter, as the responsible person for these premises and sole director of JC Land Investments, has a legal obligation to ensure that those using the premises are provided with a safe environment.

“We hope this case, which has resulted in a substantial sentence, sends a strong message that fire safety must remain a priority at all times.”

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