Residents at a high-rise building in Worthing are no longer at risk after fire safety problems were addressed.

Columbia House, a seven-floor structure that previously served as office space on Romany Road, was discovered to have serious fire safety deficiencies in 2022 after approximately 30 occupants were allowed to move in before essential evacuation routes received proper certification.

Anthony Coates, who headed two firms involved in acquiring and refurbishing the property, faced prosecution by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for one year.

Following a recent assessment, fire safety specialists have verified that the hazards have been resolved to a satisfactory standard.

In correspondence dated November 12, 2025, officials stated that the fire risk evaluation, protective measures and upkeep procedures met required standards and fulfilled obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Columbia House, situated in the Northbrook district of Worthing, was undergoing conversion to apartments when the violations took place.

Coates admitted guilt to five offences under fire safety legislation after permitting inhabitants to take up residence before corridors, stairways and evacuation pathways were approved as secure.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service previously warned that had a blaze broken out, anyone present in the flats would have faced heightened danger of fatality or severe harm.