Residents ordered to leave Sapphire Court amid structural safety fears

Residents of Sapphire Court, part of the Stratford Halo estate owned by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), were told to vacate their homes with just four hours’ notice on 4 November, following urgent concerns over the building’s structural integrity.

An email from NHG to all residents at around 1pm, advised residents to leave for temporary accommodation by 5pm the same day. NHG stated that the decision followed structural investigations, but provided no details about the findings or the level of risk posed to residents.

Earlier in August, ground floor tenants in Lapis Mews, within Sapphire Court, had already been decanted to allow for intrusive structural checks. Residents were informed that there were worries about whether the building was adequately supported by props or columns.

Do residents have to leave?

Without a court order there is no way to lawfully compel residents to leave their homes. There may be very good safety reasons that residents should leave, but with the scant information provided by NHG it is difficult to know what is wrong with the building, what the risks are and what is likely to happen next to the building.

What about belongings?

NHG have told residents to take belongings that they will need for two weeks. They say that in the short term they “will not be able to facilitate any re-entry to the building”. There is no lawful justification for this. Residents should be able to access their home and belongings. If it is necessary to not allow people into the building, arrangements must be made for them to access their belongings. It is very difficult to pack everything you need when you will be away from your home for an undetermined time, especially when you have children.

What can residents do?

All residents may have a claim for disrepair and their homes being ‘unfit for human habitation.’ This relates to the structural defects but also issues in the block such as overheating, a poor supply of hot water and leaks.

What about leaseholders?

Leaseholders are likely to have similar claims.

What should I do if I want to join the claim?

Complete the questionnaire here: https://anthonygold.co.uk/lapis-mews-and-saphire-court22332211-2-2-2-2-2/ . Or call 0207 940 4000 and ask to speak to Eleanor Solomon.