Charlton homes evacuated after partial collapse; residents raised concerns

Residents are unable to return to their homes on Woodland Terrace in Charlton after a partial building collapse occurred on Saturday evening. The incident, which saw the frontage of two houses fall from roof level, took place at approximately 18:30 BST. No injuries were reported, but a number of properties were evacuated.

Greenwich Council confirmed it is in contact with around 20 households affected by the partial collapse. Seven households have been placed in temporary accommodation, with others making their own arrangements. The council stated it is working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and is prioritising the safety and welfare of those affected.

Concerns raised about development vibrations

Ben Carew, a resident of Woodland Terrace since 2013, told BBC London that he had repeatedly raised concerns about property conditions since 2019. Emails show Carew contacted developer Lovell on 21 July, reporting cracks appearing in his home during periods of heavy vibration and requesting work be paused. The following day, he contacted Greenwich Council's planning enforcement team with similar concerns about vibration, cracking, and parts of buildings coming away. He also sought vibration monitoring data and information on allowable limits, but stated he did not receive this information.

A spokesperson for Lovell stated that previous concerns about vibration were reviewed at the time and that monitoring did not show readings above permitted limits. The company added that it had attended a residents' meeting with Greenwich Council and commissioned an independent structural engineer. Work on the development site has been paused while further information is gathered.

Lovell acknowledged that residents have questions and concerns, and that the company's priority is to provide clear and accurate information. The developer said that activity on site since the incident had been limited to initial set-up work, not substantive construction, and this stopped by approximately 09:00 on Monday.

Emergency shelter provided

St Thomas's Church opened its doors on Saturday night to provide emergency shelter for displaced residents. Church warden Jim Kinsella reported that about nine or ten people slept in the church hall on Saturday night, with others arriving later. Community members provided donations of clothing and other essentials.

Residents will not be able to return to their homes until a structural survey has been completed. Greenwich Council officers are providing support to affected residents to address their immediate and longer-term accommodation needs.