Stevenage tower block given 21 days to address fire safety hazards
The risks were identified in Vista Tower 2 years ago
Last updated 11th Oct 2022
The Government has given the owners of a tower block in Stevenage a 21-day ultimatum to fix the fire safety hazards in the building before an application is taken to court.
The action follows efforts lasting two years to address the concerns after unsafe cladding was found in the building - impacting more than 100 residents.
The newly created 'Recovery Strategy Unit' has been set up to identify and pursue firms who repeatedly refuse to fix buildings, working closely with other enforcement authorities.
Levelling Up Secretary of State, Simon Clarke said:
The lives of over 100 people living in Vista Tower have been put on hold for over two years whilst they wait for Grey GR to remediate unsafe cladding. Enough is enough.
This legal action should act as a warning to the rest of industry’s outliers - big and small. Step up, follow your peers and make safe the buildings you own or legal action will be taken against you.
Sophie Bichener, leaseholder in Vista Tower said:
"We thank the government for helping us, and leaseholders across the country - Vista Tower residents simply want to live in safe and secure homes."
This action is a step in the right direction for the innocent leaseholders still desperately pleading with their building owners to take responsibility."
Now the leaseholder protections are in force – it should serve as a warning to those entities still playing games and doing all they can to dodge their legal obligations."
Leaseholders of Vista Tower have been handed bills and unable to sell, despite unsafe cladding being identified on the building over two years ago.
Whilst the building registered with the Building Safety Fund in 2020, the funding agreement is yet to be signed, meaning the government cannot release any money.
In a statement, Grey GR said:
"The safety of residents in their homes has been and remains an utmost priority for us.
"The letter we received from government contained a number of factual inaccuracies, however, we remain committed to starting remediation works as soon as possible."
“We have been in regular dialogue with senior officials at the Department to address several unclear aspects within the legislation, and we have not been alone in raising these issues."
"We have been seeking the necessary clarity on the process in order to move forward, engaging constructively with the Department in support of applications for Building Safety Fund grants to deliver the remediation works and ensure the safety of our residents."
"“We were surprised and disappointed to receive the notification of warning that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities intends to take legal action against Grey GR.
We are seeking legal advice and will be unable to provide further comment whilst this matter is proceeding.”