News on The Carpenters Estate

In January, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz held an update meeting with residents about the next steps on the Estate.

The meeting also outlined scheduled works by the Council to remove cladding on James Riley Point, Lund Point and Dennison Point. Please see below answers to questions received from residents:

1. What noise disturbance will there be?

There will be some noise whilst work is being carried out, but this will be kept to a minimum where possible. There will be some level of noise coming from the mast climbers, however, they aren’t excessively loud, and it won’t be constant. Mullaley’s will give each resident plenty of notice on when the works reach each residents property. Mullaley’s carried out risk assessments and there will not be noise above recommended levels. Mullaleys working hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, however any works which are considered noisy will be carried out between 10am-4pm where possible.

2. Will dust be an issue?

As the panels will in the main be removed as whole sections dust will be limited. There may be some drilling works required but in general, there will be little or no dust generated.

There will be a protective fan over the entrance to capture anything that falls and exclusion zones underneath where they will be working.

Full protection will be offered at all entrances to prevent injury from any falling debris. As the works are being carried out from Mast climbers, falling objects will be limited further.

3. Number of workers working on the cladding?

This will be variable on a daily basis and will likely not exceed around 10-12 operatives.

4. What other legal obligations do you have with respect to health and safety breaches?

We have legal obligations in terms of gas, electrical installations, water supplies, lightning conductors and any asbestos containing materials. We will ensure at all times that our obligations in all these areas are met and any required works carried out promptly.

5. What other disturbances will there be?

Mulalley are not intending to enter properties any disturbances will be outside. Once works start the contractor will have more knowledge on timings and will work around the residents. There may be some properties that require additional works internally, but this will be limited to void properties and will not affect residents directly.

6. Why didn’t cladding removal happen prior to the ballot?

The removal did not take place as the full procurement and contractor award and setup process was not fully complete prior to the ballot.

7. Is there asbestos under the cladding?

Some of the cladding sheets contain asbestos. This will be removed by a licenced contractor who is a specialist to deal with this type of asbestos. Safety measures will be put in place and risk assessments have been carried out. Each resident will be informed and be given plenty of notice when the contractor gets to their floor of what measures will be taken to keep everyone safe (i.e closing of windows).

8. Why is the cladding being removed from Dennison & Lund if they are being demolished?

Dennison is the only building that is currently planned for demolition under the Landlord Offer and masterplan. However, this is not currently due to happen until 2025. Lund is proposed to be refurbished in 2024. Following the Grenfell tragedy, Newham Council made a decision to remove the cladding from all tall buildings where it was considered necessary through compliance or end of life condition. As the council has previously informed you, additional safety measures have been put in place since June 2017 to ensure you are kept safe in the unlikely event of a fire.

9. When will cladding be removed from Dennison?

Details of removal dates are included on the programme information slide.

10. What will be put up to replace the removed cladding?

There are numerous options for cladding renewal and this has yet to be finalised. We are currently not intending to replace the cladding in the short term. The effect of this will be negligible in terms of thermal comfort and will not create any additional issues such as water penetration. Newham have used different cladding products, which all meet the current regulations and guidance on fire safety in Tall blocks.

11. Why aren’t other health and safety issues such as no communal ventilation working to bath and wc being expedited too?

This repair would require extensive works to each property and would, given the extensive nature of the works require potential decants to complete the works satisfactorily. This would only be possible with a full decant of the building.

12. Has any cladding fallen yet?

There have been no fallen panels so far. We have replaced some following inspection to mitigate any risks to the residents of all blocks.

13. Why not vacate Dennison point and fence off perimeter rather than remove cladding now?

Dennison Point will continue to be used for some time so this is not a viable option. The cladding removal is to ensure there is no risk to residents during this period.

14. Will there be a significant impact on heating/insulation in the flat?

The type of cladding on JRP at the moment provides little insulation so it is unlikely you will notice any impact from the removal of the secondary cladding.