Residents of a north London tower block are experiencing a "nightmare" due to intruders accessing scaffolding that has surrounded their homes for six years. The scaffolding at Archway Heights was erected in 2020 as a precaution after a piece of external cladding fell off, according to the housing association, People for Places. The association is awaiting approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to begin repairs, but the regulator stated that an application submitted in 2024 was invalidated due to insufficient information demonstrating compliance with building regulations.
Residents report that the scaffolding has become a gateway for intruders, leading to instances of people being seen outside windows and loitering on the structure. Natasha Dyett described being terrified to see a person outside her window in July, and noted that CCTV footage of the incident was reportedly wiped. She also mentioned that the scaffolding blocks light from her flat, forcing her to use artificial lighting during the day.
Ciara Squires, a nurse, recounted seeing multiple people outside her window and finds it frightening to return home alone. She described one incident captured on CCTV involving five young men. Jameel Choudhury stated that the scaffolding has attracted rough sleepers who have accessed the building's cycle and storage rooms, leading to antisocial behavior, including drug dealing and theft. He expressed concern about the potential flammability or instability of the cladding.
People for Places confirmed that additional security has been deployed at the block. They explained that while planning approval was secured in 2023 and a contractor appointed, changes introduced by the Building Safety Act necessitated further approvals. Origin Housing, which merged with People for Places, submitted an application in 2024 that was subsequently invalidated. The full integration of the organizations was completed in April 2026. People for Places is now awaiting a decision from the BSR before work can commence, with the repairs estimated to take 12 months.
The BSR, established after the Grenfell Tower fire, stated it is working with the applicant to approve remediation works for the non-compliant wall façade. The regulator noted that the case was initially submitted in April 2024 and invalidated, with a subsequent application in January 2025 requiring further information and engagement to demonstrate compliance.
Dan Newcombe, spokesperson for the Acorn Community Union, which is assisting residents, said that residents feel left in limbo, with promises of decisions being repeatedly delayed. He expressed frustration over conflicting information from the housing association and the BSR, leaving residents uncertain about the resolution.