North London Tower Residents Describe Scaffolding Situation as a 'Nightmare' Amid Safety Concerns

According to BBC UK, residents of a tower block in north London have described their living situation as a 'nightmare,' citing instances of intruders gaining access to the scaffolding that has encircled their homes for the last six years. The scaffolding was put up at Archway Heights in 2020 as a precautionary measure after some external cladding detached, as stated by the housing association, Places for People.

Places for People indicated that the commencement of repairs is contingent upon receiving approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). The BSR reported that an application submitted in 2024 was invalidated, requiring additional information to confirm adherence to building regulations.

Natasha Dyett, who moved into the nine-storey building two years prior while the scaffolding was already installed, shared that during the summer heatwave, she spent most of it with everything closed due to people breaching the scaffolding throughout the summer. Dyett recounted a terrifying experience in July when she saw a person outside her window after turning over in bed. She alerted the person to leave and contacted her landlord, who suggested calling the police, though Dyett noted the CCTV footage was subsequently erased before it could be reviewed. Dyett mentioned that people are reportedly seen on the scaffolding weekly, and she believes they can reach the roof.

Ciara Squires, a 34-year-old nurse, stated that she observed at least two individuals outside her window and felt apprehensive about returning home because people were frequently seen loitering nearby. She mentioned that CCTV had captured one instance involving five men, which she described as terrifying, noting she was with her mother who was recovering from cancer at the time.

Jameel Choudhury, who resides at Archway Heights with his wife and three children, claimed that the scaffolding had attracted rough sleepers who subsequently moved into the building's cycle and storage room. Choudhury reported regularly seeing people ascending the scaffolding to areas where they should not be, breaking into the cycle store, and engaging in drug use, which he characterized as undesirable antisocial behavior. He pointed to an area where his bicycle had been stolen, noting that people had brought items such as duvets, chairs, and a microwave into the storage area to cook food and charge devices. Choudhury added that a child's bedroom was located just behind these walls, and the child could previously hear the activities taking place.

Residents have also voiced concerns regarding the lack of information about the cladding and its safety. Choudhury expressed apprehension that the cladding might be flammable or could detach, similar to a previous incident. He stated that residents simply want a clear answer regarding the situation and whether it is safe.

A spokesperson for Places for People confirmed that additional security measures had been implemented at the block. They explained that planning approval was obtained in 2023 and a contractor was appointed, but changes introduced by the Building Safety Act concerning higher-risk buildings necessitated further approvals.

Origin Housing, which merged with Places for People in April 2024, submitted an application in 2024 that needed to be resubmitted in January 2025. The full integration of the two organizations, encompassing approximately 9,000 homes under Places for People, was finalized in April 2026.

Places for People stated that they are currently awaiting a decision from the BSR before work can commence. A spokesperson commented that the issues at Archway Heights are intricate and multifaceted, requiring time to resolve, and that the organization intends to advance the works as quickly as possible, despite the scaffolding having been in place for longer than desired.

The BSR was established to reform building safety laws following the Grenfell Tower fire. A spokesperson mentioned that the regulator is collaborating closely with the applicant to secure approval for proposed remediation works on a non-compliant wall façade that was first identified in 2020 before the BSR was formed. They further clarified that the complex case was initially submitted to the BSR in April 2024 and was invalidated, and a subsequent application was made in January 2025, which has necessitated multiple requests for further information and continuous engagement with the applicant to demonstrate compliance with building regulations.

Dan Newcombe, media spokesperson for Acorn Community Union, stated that his members have been left in a state of uncertainty. He noted that residents have been told for the past six years that a decision would be made in a specific month, but these dates have continually changed. Newcombe stated that the housing association and the Building Safety Regulator are providing conflicting information, leaving members uninformed with no foreseeable conclusion.

Places for People assured residents that a detailed work schedule would be provided once approval is granted, and they estimated the repairs would take 12 months to finish.