Decision details

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST MADE FOR THIS ITEM:

None

RESOLVED

It was recommended that:

3.1. In accordance with Contract Standing Order 2.01. b) and 0.08, the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) granted approval to commence the procurement of essential external structural repairs at Carlton Lodge and Henrietta House. The pre-tender estimate for these works is set at £1.2m.

3.2. Delegate the appropriate procurement route to the Chief Procurement Officer in compliance with Contract Standing Order 12.

Reasons for decisions

In July and October 2024 - Carlton Lodge and Henrietta House experienced significant structural deterioration affecting the concrete windowsills and the reinforced concrete beams supporting the Item 6 balconies and communal walkway and landing areas. The defects have resulted in spalling concrete, which has exposed the reinforcement bars and led to progressive corrosion. Urgent remedial works are required to both blocks to stabilise these elements to prevent further degradation and mitigate the risk of collapse and/or falling debris.

As the pre-tender estimate for the remedial works were above £500k, approval wa required from the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader) to invite tenders via the LCP (London Construction Programme) Framework. 5.

Alternative options considered

The option of taking no action had been reviewed and formally discounted. Given the urgent nature of the structural defects and the risk of falling masonry, inaction would pose an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of residents and visitors. Furthermore, failure to address the issues promptly would accelerate the deterioration of critical concrete components within the blocks, leading to more extensive damage and significantly higher repair costs in the future.