Inspections and works - July update

Cladding remediation works

In March 2021 we wrote to Bergenia House, Buddleia House, Quince House and 43-72 Camellia House to let you know that we are aiming to start cladding remediation work before 30 September 2021.

This start date is to meet the governments deadline for a funding application. This work is being carried out to ensure the building meets the necessary fire safety standards.

We are now in the process of working with architects, structural engineers and consultants to design the best solutions for each building.

The work will involve the removal and replacement of timber cladding as well as fire barriers around openings, such as windows and doors, where they are missing.

Temporary heat detection and fire alarms

Our contractors have nearly finished installing the temporary heat detection and fire alarm system for Buddleia, Quince and 43-72 Camellia House, as recommended by our fire engineers. This involves residents having heat detection devices installed near the windows, to detect a fire from outside on the timber cladding. The temporary system will stay in place until the timber cladding is replaced.

This is not required at Pieris House and Bergenia House where there is no timber cladding on the outside of the buildings.

Thank you to everyone who has given access for the installation. We will write to you again shortly, to let you know when the system is going live and explain how it works. Please do not remove or tamper with the devices in your home. Batteries last up to 5yrs and the system is temporary. If you have any concerns about the devices, please ask.

Funding update

We understand that you may have been under significant stress for some time and we want to support you as much as we can. With this in mind, we have arranged an independent health and wellbeing programme you can use any time of day or night.

The service is free to use and includes counselling and emotional support and financial, legal and medical information. You can find out more about the programme on our customer website or contact buildingprojects@a2dominion.co.uk for details about how to access it.

FAQs

Are we paying for inspections, reports and interim fire safety measures through our service charge?

A2Dominion has paid for the surveys and investigative works and all internal resourcing in relation to this project, to date. We will also cover the cost of the temporary heat detection and fire alarm systems currently being installed in some buildings.
Is there an EWS1 form for my building?

If you are re-mortgaging or selling your flat the mortgage lender involved will probably ask for an 'EWS1' (external wall system) form. The form is intended to provide a professional summary for the cladding fire safety of a tall building and is based on the findings of our fire engineer’s report.

Currently the EWS1 forms are a ‘B2’ rating, which confirms combustible materials have been used and that remediation work is required. With this outcome a lender is likely to ask for more information about the scope, time and costs of the remediation work, before deciding a loan. It is our responsibility to provide you with this information, once we have it.

EWS1 forms were originally intended for buildings over 18m and therefore Buddleia House does not require one, as it is lower.

Please email us if you need an EWS1 form at buildingprojects@a2dominion.co.uk.
What about the new build warranty?

The 10 year new build warranty has expired.
What if the BSF application is unsuccessful?

If our application is not successful in the first instance, we will consider grounds for an appeal against the decision as we believe the work at Feltham Town Centre is eligible for the fund. If our appeal is unsuccessful, we may remove the works from our 2021/22 programme, as it is being fast-tracked to meet the BSF deadlines.
What is the Building Safety Fund?

The Building Safety Fund (BSF) is a pot of money put aside by the government to help cover the cost of fire safety work that might otherwise be charged to leaseholders and shared owners.
When will you apply to the Building Safety Fund?

The deadline to apply for the government’s Building Safety Fund (BSF), which includes a works package and all the documentation they require, is on or before the end of June 2021.
Who pays for the tenants’ share of remedial work?

The Building Safety Fund is an application to benefit homeowners and does not include the cost for tenanted units. A2Dominion will pay for all costs associated with tenanted properties, regardless of the BSF funding.
Why isn’t the original developer paying for the remediation works?

We cannot gain funding from the original contractor for any element of remedial work. This is because the contractor’s defects liability period of 10 years expired some time ago for the development.
When will we find out if the application has been successful?

The government have not provided a timescale for responding to applications, but we will let you know as soon as we know, whether our application has been successful.

There is also a deadline to start work on site on or before the end of September 2021 so we would hope and expect to hear before then.

Free health, financial and legal support

Meet the team

Jess Ward

I'm Jess, your Resident Liaison Officer and your first point of contact for queries about fire safety compliance inspections and works at Feltham Town Centre. I'm a member of the Building Projects team at A2Dominion, a key contributor to our Building & Fire Safety Programme. I'm a qualified Change Manager, a member of the Chartered Management Institute, and I have extensive experience supporting customers in the construction and housing sectors. When I'm not at work I enjoy base jumping, watercolour painting and cooking marshmallows on campfires.

Jess Ward - Resident Liaison Officer, Building Projects

Keeping in touch

It is important that you receive everything we send you about inspections and works at Feltham Town Centre and the best way for us to keep in touch is by email. If you are not receiving our emails and would like to, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 0800 432 0077 to check and update your contact details or visit our website a2dominion.co.uk to update them online via My Account. Thank you.