The trial of a property company director accused of offences relating to alleged safety breaches at an Ipswich town centre block of flats will start later this month.

Before Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday for a case management hearing was Edward Ottley of Pownall Road, Ipswich.

Ottley and Home From Home Property Management of Kempson Way, Bury St Edmunds face five offences in relation to flats in Wolsey Street, Ipswich, involving offences relating to cladding and fire risks.

They allege that Ottley and the company failed to comply with fire safety requirements on July 14 2021 which exposed people in the flats to risk of death or serious injury.

The charges also allege that an Automatic Opening Vent could not be shown to effectively operate in the event of fire and there was a failure to ensure that residents were aware of the evacuation procedure in the event of fire.

The fifth charge relates to the premises not being equipped with appropriate fire detectors and alarms.

 Ottley and Home From Home Property Management have denied the charges.

Their trial, which is expected to last seven to ten days, will get underway at Ipswich Crown Court on May 28 when a jury will be empanelled.

The trial will then continue on May 29 at Colchester Magistrates Court because of a lack of available court space at Ipswich.

Ottley is on bail.