Two years on from decision to decommission three unsafe tower blocks the last Enfield Council tenants are finally moving out

The last remaining Enfield Council tenants at three Edmonton tower blocks deemed unsafe to live in will have all moved out by the end of March, the civic centre has confirmed.

The 23-storey Walbrook House in Devonshire Road has become the first to be fully emptied of council tenants, although six leaseholders remain living there.

At Cheshire House and Shropshire House, both on Shires Estate, the final three tenants are due to move out next month, while 18 leaseholders remain living in them.

Safety inspections at all three towers were carried out in 2022 and discovered that the 1960s-built blocks were in need of substantial repairs running to tens of millions of pounds.

Over a period of around six months the gas supplies to each block were also cut off over fears that the structures might not be able to withstand a gas boiler explosion, with electric heating provided instead.

In early 2023 the decision was then made by the council to decommission the blocks, with a likelihood that they would be redeveloped once fully emptied.

All three were built with the prefabricated concrete panel construction method, which has led to safety concerns on blocks across the country in recent years.

Shropshire House (left) and Cheshire House (right) could both be demolished — Shropshire House (left) and Cheshire House (right)

At Walbrook House, assessments revealed that essential repairs costs had escalated from an initial estimate of £14m in 2020 to over £30m by 2023, due to “skyrocketing” material and supply costs.

Providing an update on the building this week, Ayten Guzel, the council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “The safety and wellbeing of our residents have always been our top priority. After thorough assessments and considering the financial challenges, we determined that relocating residents from Walbrook House was the most responsible decision.

“We are grateful to all of our residents for their co-operation during this time and remain committed to providing safe and affordable homes for our community.”

The council says that it has “worked hard” to ensure former tenants of Walbrook House have been offered “suitable alternative homes” while continuing to lobby for funding to repair the block.

If no funding becomes available for the refurbishment of the building, the council will consider future options including a potential disposal.

Cllr Guzel added: “The council will continue to update the community throughout this process. This decision reflects Enfield Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the safety of our residents and addressing the challenges posed by aging blocks, despite financial constraints.”

Before a decision is made to demolish the building a building survey, identification of hazardous materials if any, a demolition plan, notifications to the surrounding area, and permits would all be required.

The council says it continues to “engage” with remaining leaseholders at Walbrook, Cheshire and Shropshire houses. Last month, the BBC ran a report after speaking to leaseholders at Walbrook House, in which the residents claimed they weren’t being offered enough money for their flats and that they wouldn’t be able to buy similar properties in the area.

A council spokesperson added: “The remaining leaseholders who have yet to agree an offer are being supported on a case-by-case basis, dependent on their needs and requirements. We also continue to work with leaseholders to offer support in relocating in this event. Should funding become available, leaseholders would be due to contribute to this in accordance with the terms of their lease.”

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