Archway tower block residents face ‘nightmare’ over scaffolding

Residents living in Archway Heights, a north London tower block, have been enduring an ongoing ordeal as scaffolding surrounding their building has become a hub for intruders. The scaffolding has encased the property since 2020, installed after a section of the building’s external cladding detached. People for Places, the housing association responsible for the block, explained that they are waiting for approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to initiate necessary repairs. However, a 2024 application for work was invalidated due to insufficient evidence showing compliance with building regulations.

Natasha Dyett, who has lived in the nine-storey block for two years, described the situation as a “nightmare.” She recounted a frightening incident during the recent heatwave when she spotted a person outside her window late at night. Natasha said, “I climbed into bed, I turned over and I saw something outside. I rubbed my eyes because my vision is failing and I could still see it and it moved. I realised it was a person standing there.” Despite immediately notifying her landlord and being advised to call the police, any CCTV footage that could have been used as evidence was deleted before proper examination. Alongside ongoing security concerns, the scaffolding has also blocked natural light from reaching her flat, forcing the family to keep lights on during the day, which has increased electricity costs.

Other residents have shared similar troubling experiences. Nurse Ciara Squires expressed fear about returning home alone at night due to groups loitering near the building. She recalled one occasion when CCTV recorded five men outside, a sight she found “terrifying.” Meanwhile, Jameel Choudhury described issues with rough sleepers using the scaffolding and breaking into the building’s cycle and storage rooms. He remarked on the presence of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour, even noting that residents’ children could hear disturbances from adjacent rooms. Jameel stated, “We are regularly seeing people going up into the scaffolding, going where they shouldn’t be, breaking into the cycle store, dealing drugs: the type of antisocial behaviour you really don’t want to see.”

Concerns have also been raised about the safety of the cladding itself. Jameel voiced worries about the possibility of flammability or further pieces detaching, as had happened previously, demanding, “We just want a clear answer from them. What’s going on? Is it safe?” Representatives for People for Places confirmed that additional security measures have been introduced. Though planning permission was granted in 2023 and a contractor appointed, new regulations under the Building Safety Act have caused delays, requiring further approvals. The merger of Origin Housing with People for Places in 2024 added complexity, with applications resubmitted as recently as January 2025. The housing association emphasized their intention to progress repairs “as quickly as possible” once approval is secured.

The Building Safety Regulator, formed after the Grenfell Tower fire, noted that the application process is complicated, involving multiple requests for further information to ensure compliance. Meanwhile, residents, supported by the Acorn Community Union, feel frustrated by the prolonged uncertainty. Acorn’s spokesperson Dan Newcombe said, “Our members have been told for the last six years there will be a decision this month or that month, and that date keeps changing… our members are left in the dark with no end in sight.” People for Places pledged to provide residents with a detailed repair schedule once permission is granted, estimating the construction work will take approximately twelve months to complete

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