First bill for cladding replacement at Canary Wharf issued under new authorities
In the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster, the UK government has been scrutinising the safety of buildings across the nation, leading to the introduction of the Building Safety Act in 2022. This legislation empowers the government, regulators, and other 'interest persons' to apply for orders to rectify building safety defects or cover the costs associated with them.
Recently, the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, launched legal action against the landlord of a Canary Wharf apartment complex, John Christodoulou's Yianis Holdings Ltd. The two other companies within the Yianis Group have been identified as 'accountable persons' under the Building Safety Act for the four residential buildings within the Canary Riverside development.
This marks the first move by Gove to use legal powers under the Building Safety Act. Inspections of the buildings within the Canary Riverside development have unmasked problems with cladding and insulation that need to be remediated.
The legal action aims to compel the landlord to pay £20.5m towards building safety works, reflecting the severity of the issues at hand. The building safety crisis triggered by the Grenfell Tower fire has led to defects being identified in residential blocks across the country, and the developers have yet to begin cladding repairs on unsafe buildings, according to recent research.
The Building Safety Act imposes stricter duties on building owners and managers to ensure safety, including registration of buildings, safety case reports, resident engagement, and more stringent oversight by the new Building Safety Regulator. For companies like Yianis Group, the implications mean increased financial and legal liability for building safety compliance, mandatory transparency and engagement with residents, and the risk of enforcement action for non-compliance.
The department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities also stated that they will continue to take action against those who do not take responsibility for building safety issues. This action against Yianis Group serves as a clear warning to other property owners that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all buildings in the UK.
Meanwhile, Bristol flat owners are demanding a law change over cladding issues, echoing the concerns raised by residents in Canary Wharf and across the country. As the government continues to address building safety issues, it is hoped that these actions will lead to safer living conditions for all UK residents.
In pursuit of safer housing conditions following the Building Safety Act, the Secretary of State, Michael Gove, initiated legal action against John Christodoulou's Yianis Holdings Ltd, compelling them to contribute £20.5m towards building safety works due to issues with cladding and insulation in the Canary Riverside development. Reminiscent of the demands from Bristol flat owners, sports and leisure activities may find a renewed emphasis in the lives of those seeking respite from housing concerns.
