Tower blocks to have panels removed after Grenfell tragedy

SIXTEEN high-rise blocks in Solihull fail to meet stricter safety regulations ushered in following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and are in need of upgrades.

Almost half of the borough’s tower blocks will have spandrel panels removed to ensure they comply with the latest building standards. A planning application for one of the blocks where changes are required – Wingfield House, in Kingshurst – has been handed to the council.

Solihull Community Housing (SCH), which manages the local authority’s housing stock, has confirmed the 60-year-old block is one of five in the vicinity which will be subject to works.

Eleven others in the north of the borough also require attention.

Since the new basalt panels will “significantly change” the appearance of the buildings, it is intended each upgrade will have a unique colour in order to make the blocks distinct.

Papers submitted to the council said: “While the spandrel panels did meet all regulations at the time they were fitted, they do not meet the updated regulations from April 1, 2020. Therefore, there is now a legal duty by the owner to replace them.”

Of the 16 blocks which require upgrades, Wingfield is one of six where access to residents’ flats will be needed to carry out works – which SCH has suggested will begin early next year.

The other five are Kingshurst House, Redwood House, De Montfort House, Catesby House and

Digby House. Alterations to panels is part of a wider project, costing some £20 million, which also involves sprinklers being retro-fitted at all 37 blocks in North Solihull.

SCH has said it is unable to confirm at this stage how much the panel replacement will cost. Chief executive Fiona Hughes said the safety of residents was “an absolute priority” for the organisation.