A significant move forward in dealing with the removal of Grenfell style cladding from private tower blocks has been taken with the National House Building Council agreeing to pay for remediation works at the New Capital Quay complex in Greenwich.
It is unclear if this sets a precedent for other blocks across the private sector but residents will certainly hope so as the Greenwich scheme in east London is a large development and was being keenly watched. Total removal and replacement costs are estimated to amount up to £40 million.
The NHBC said it would accept the insurance claim after it had “concluded that there was a failure to comply with building regulations at the time of construction” following “expert input and a review of the individual circumstances at this site”.
The Housing Secretary James Brokenshire advised MPs on the Housing, Communities and Local Government select committee that he had received notice of the decision directly from the NHBC, which he warmly welcomed. It is unclear how quickly the developer Galliard Homes will proceed and what timetable exists for the combustible cladding panels to be removed and replaced.
The Government has steadfastly maintained its line that the private sector needs to find and fund its own solutions to the problem. Mr Brokenshire gave very guarded responses to MPs at the committee and refused to commit any money (at this stage) to remediation works, beyond the £400m already announced for social housing.