WORK to remove potentially dangerous cladding on blocks of flats in Basingstoke will finally start this year - nearly six years after the Grenfell Fire tragedy.

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 similar to what occurred at Grenfell Tower in 2017.

In 2021 Crown Heights failed its external wall system fire review certificate after it was found to be covered in the flammable material expanded polystyrene (EPS).

READ ALSO: Basingstoke MP's call for action on fire safety works at Crown Heights

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.

The original developer of the building, Barratt, indicated that it will pay for the work itself but it had to first undertake a risk assessment on the building to see what work needed to be done.

During a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) economic planning and housing committee meeting held in March this year, an update on the work was requested.

In an update produced by BDBC, seen by the Gazette, Barrett has agreed to fund the necessary fire safety works and work is expected to start by September but could take up to 81 weeks to complete.

Cllr Samuel Carr, cabinet member for homes and regeneration said: "Residents should be safe in their homes. As an administration, we are working closely with partners, pressuring responsible organisations to deliver for Crown Heights residents as soon as possible and encouraging them to provide maximum transparency. 

"This is good news, but it's important that the responsible organisations keep their promises. The council will continue to stand up for Crown Heights residents."

Cllr Arun Mummalaneni, ward councillor for Brookvale and Kings Furlong said it is "important to acknowledge that residents have faced financial and mental hardships" as a result of the delays and safety concerns at Crown Heights.

He said: "While it's positive that steps are being taken to address the issues, residents deserve more than just a resolution to the problems they have faced. The developers must continue to prioritise the wellbeing and safety of the residents throughout the entire process and provide the necessary support to mitigate the impacts these issues have had on their lives."

SEE ALSO: Crown Heights residents react to lack of action on cladding

In the update, BDBC state the results of the developer's risk assessment indicate that the entire insulated render façade across the development will need to be replaced.

BDBC head of environment and community services Tom Payne said: “We have been working with developers to help find a resolution for those residents affected by fire safety issues in high-rise residential buildings, including Crown Heights, and regular updates have been provided to the council’s economic, planning and housing committee.

“Through these discussions, we have been told that the required works at Crown Heights will be taking place and will be funded by the developer, which is very good news for those affected. The council’s development control team has also been made aware that a planning application will be submitted for the work as soon as possible.”

The Gazette understands that a shortlist of contractors who could complete the work has been drawn up. The winning contractor is aimed to be approved and signed off by August.

READ MORE: Work on 'unsafe' buildings in Basingstoke at 'advanced stage'

A spokesperson from management company Firstport, which currently manages the building, said: “We welcome the news that funding is now in place for the remediation of the external wall at Crown Heights.

“We look forward to working with the developer, contractors and residents to support the completion of these works.”

A spokesman for Barratt added: “In line with our commitment and having carried out investigations over recent months we are in the process of appointing contractors to carry out the work that is required. We are working with the local MP, the council, the managing agents and the residents association to move this forward as quickly as possible to ensure that leaseholders and residents are not inconvenienced longer than is necessary.”