Harold Wood homeowners told no cladding works necessary 

The Recorder reported back in June how L&Q leaseholders on the Kings Park estate in Harold Wood were told there would be a review into whether their homes needed remediation work. 

A total of 130 homes across four blocks – Hazelnut Court, Catkin House, Peacock Court and Wild Rose House – were awaiting the results, which were initially planned to be published in September. 

• READ MORE: 'Careless’: Harold Wood leaseholders told cladding work necessary, despite ‘identical’ block opposite told otherwise

Now, L&Q has updated leaseholders letting them know that no safety works are necessary. 

An L&Q spokesperson said residents had been sent a document that gave them the certainty to sell or access mortgage products if they choose. 

They added: “We take the safety of our buildings extremely seriously. We will continue to carry out regular inspections, and where necessary, remedial works, to ensure that all homes meet the highest safety standards.” 

Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster, said that while she is pleased the blocks were given the green light, she remains concerned about challenges faced by leaseholders elsewhere on the estate. 

Those living in Freesia Lodge, for example, continue to query a recent report stating their homes will require remediation works that could leave them with unexpected costs and difficulty selling their homes. 

Residents in Freesia Lodge were told that work is required on two areas of the block (Image: David Lanagan)

• READ MORE: Harold Wood homeowners backed by MP over cladding concerns

Ms Lopez said: “My team and I are actively working through other issues on the estate to assist those residents.  

“To this end, earlier this week I spoke directly with the building safety minister to highlight specific concerns relating to five other blocks and wider concerns regarding the consistency of the assessment process given the differing outcomes to assessments on the same estate, despite similar construction and materials being used on most blocks.  

“I will endeavour to keep residents up to date on progress.” 

Julia Lopez, MP for Hornchurch and Upminster (Image: Archant)

Last year, combustible cladding was discovered on a number of Kings Park buildings, none of which are managed by L&Q, and was found to be the cause of a fire which broke out in 2019. 

Those living in Bell Flower Lodge, opposite Freesia Lodge, were meanwhile mistakenly told their cladding was unsafe, with residents believing for months that £2 million of repair work was required. 

These come after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, in which 72 people were killed when fire was spread through cladding on the North Kensington block. 

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