Pay us £3m to remove Grenfell style cladding
A PROPERTY giant is trying to force residents to pay £10,000 each for the removal of dangerous Grenfell-style cladding.
More than 300 leaseholders have been arguing their case at a tribunal after freeholder Pemberstone issued a demand for the £3million bill.
It follows a probe at Green Quarter, Manchester, in the wake of the fire at Grenfell Tower in London last June.
It found the same flammable material at Vallea Court and Cypress Place. Pemberstone took legal action after leaseholders refused to pay up.
They crowdfunded for legal advice but cannot afford a hearing lawyer.
Resident Fran Reddington, 33, said: “We’ve not really had any support. We got the official letters from the management company but then got hit by these notices. We just had to fight for ourselves.”
The apartments, managed by Livingcity, were built by Lendlease. The freehold was sold to Pemberstone, which says residents should pay for remedial works under lease terms. Yet an introduction letter from Lendlease says: “Lendlease will undertake, at our expense, to complete any accepted defect that’s arisen as a result of faulty materials.” Residents claimed Lendlease had been silent. It said: “We were not aware of the tribunal until yesterday and are investigating.” Pemberstone said safety was “of paramount importance” and a tribunal “in the best interests of all”. It added: “Over the past year [Livingcity] has sent out nine letters... explaining the latest position and responded to at least 78 enquiries.” The Ministry for Housing said cladding removal costs should not be passed on and said: “We have not ruled out any options.” The tribunal is to take six weeks.