Archway Heights residents face ongoing safety fears

Residents of Archway Heights have reported persistent issues with intruders accessing scaffolding that has surrounded their north London homes for six years. The scaffolding was erected in 2020 after a piece of external cladding detached from the building. The ongoing presence of the structure has led to security breaches, with individuals accessing cycle and storage rooms, resulting in drug dealing and theft.

Intruders and Antisocial Behaviour

Residents have described living in a state of anxiety due to the security lapses. Natasha Dyett, who moved into the nine-storey block two years ago, recounted an incident where she saw a person standing outside her window. She stated that people frequently appear on the scaffolding, with one CCTV recording showing five individuals. The scaffolding has also allowed rough sleepers to access the building's cycle and storage rooms, where they have set up makeshift living spaces, cooked food, and engaged in drug dealing. Jameel Choudhury reported that his bicycle was stolen from the storage area, and that children living in nearby bedrooms could hear the disturbances.

Ciara Squires, a nurse, also expressed her fear of returning home due to people loitering around the building. Residents have also voiced concerns about the safety of the cladding itself, fearing it could be flammable or become loose, as it did previously.

Delays in Repair Work

The housing association, People for Places, confirmed that extra security measures have been implemented. Planning approval for the repairs was obtained in 2023, and a contractor was appointed. However, changes introduced by the Building Safety Act for higher-risk buildings have necessitated further approvals. An application submitted in 2024 by Origin Housing, which merged with People for Places in April 2024, was invalidated by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). A subsequent application made in January 2025 has required multiple requests for additional information to demonstrate compliance with building regulations.

A spokesperson for People for Places stated that the challenges are complex and will take time to resolve, acknowledging the scaffolding has been in place longer than desired. The BSR confirmed it is working with the applicant to gain approval for the remediation works on the wall façade, which was initially identified in 2020. The regulator noted the ongoing engagement required to ensure compliance with building regulations.

Dan Newcombe from Acorn Community Union, assisting residents, said they feel left in limbo, with promised decision dates repeatedly changing. Residents have been informed that the repairs are expected to take 12 months to complete once the necessary approvals are secured.