RESIDENTS living in a block of flats in Basingstoke are still waiting for work to be carried out to remove potentially dangerous combustible cladding. 

As previously reported, the external cladding at Crown Heights, which has around 250 flats, contains the flammable material 'expanded polystyrene' and features no fire breaks.

It means that should there be a blaze, it could engulf the whole building in a similar manner to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017.

In 2021 the building failed its External Wall System Fire Review certificate after it was found to be covered in the flammable material expanded polystyrene (EPS).

It was also found that more than 80 per cent of the building is clad in an STO-insulated render, which is a coating traditionally made of a mix of lime, water and aggregate.

It has left residents fearing for their safety and unable to sell their properties.

READ MORE: Two more blocks of flats have failed cladding tests in Basingstoke

An update of the situation was presented by cabinet member for homes and regeneration Cllr Samuel Carr to members of the economic, planning and development committee at a meeting on Thursday, November 3.

Councillors were told that the reason for the delay was the Government saying earlier in 2022 that the original builders of highrises that used flammable cladding should be the ones to replace it.

The original developer of the building, Barratt, has indicated that it will pay for the work itself and is currently undertaking a risk assessment on the building to see what work needs to be done.

This risk assessment is being done as part of the government's recommended approach, and the results will be shared with the borough council.

A spokesperson for Barratt said: “At Crown Heights in Basingstoke, we are working closely with the management company to finalise a Fire Risk Assessment of the External Walls (FRAEW), which will determine the extent of any remedial works required.

“We expect this to be completed by the beginning of December and, in line with our commitments under the industry’s Building Safety Pledge, we will then ensure any necessary remedial work is completed, at no cost to leaseholders or residents.”

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Meanwhile, a spokesperson for property management Firstport, which currently manages Crown Heights, said: “We understand the frustrations felt by residents because of the delays at Crown Heights, and we’re doing all we can to support homeowners and residents in our capacity as property manager.

“We provide regular updates to our residents and host monthly meetings so they can speak directly with the operations team.

“We also have a designated building remediation team who are working closely with Barratt to address any concerns.”