Structural survey on the Gascoyne Estate
We have been assessing the buildings we manage in line with the new requirements of the Building Safety Act 2022. This includes those built as a ‘large panel design’ like the four high rise blocks on the Gascoyne Estate.
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The surveys we have undertaken to this stage have not highlighted any immediate risks to people living on the estate. However, following our initial visual and desktop survey we will need to carry out an in depth survey on the blocks to meet the regulations.
All Hackney Council owned blocks over 7 stories and 18 metres in height will require a structural survey under the Building Safety Act 2022 over the course of the next 4 years.
Following initial visual surveys of the four blocks on the Gascoyne Estate we will be undertaking a full structural survey of the buildings. The survey will also enable us to see if any long-term repairs and maintenance work needs to be undertaken.
We’ve carried out an asbestos survey on the empty flat in Vanner Point that we are using for the structural survey.
We have appointed a specialist contractor to carry out the full structural survey. It will take place on Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 March 2024, between 9am and 5pm.
This will unfortunately cause noise for residents in the Vanner Point block. We’ll make an area of the Gascoyne 2 Community Hall available during these times for those wanting to avoid the noise. Refreshments will be available. Members of our resident safety and housing management teams will also be on hand to answer any questions people may have.
Results of the structural survey
It will take around a month for us to receive the findings of the structural survey. We will then need to review the detailed information. This will help us identify the best potential course of action to take. We will do this as quickly as possible, but it could take many months.
As soon as we can, we will inform everyone who lives on the estate or has a home there about the survey findings. We will also tell them about the steps we are taking to address any issues the survey finds. We will seek to do this as quickly as possible as we know that this is an unsettling time for everyone living on the estate.
Interim safety measures
Two interim safety measures have been suggested as part of our initial survey that we should put in place to reduce the risk of any structural damage. As a result we:
- have permanently closed the garages on the estate – we formally took back ownership of the garages on Monday 8 January 2024
- are not allowing any items that could significantly increase the risk of causing or spreading a fire to be stored in peoples homes, specifically oxygen bottles – we will also maintain our regular safety inspections of the blocks
Residents should not store any types of bottled gas such as LPG in their homes.
E-scooters and E-bikes should not be left charging overnight and they should not be charged if they have damaged batteries. The London Fire Brigade has seen a worrying increase in the number of fires that have been caused by the lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries overheating. For more information, visit London Fire Brigade – #ChargeSafe.
Support for residents
Vulnerable residents can contact our building safety team. Once we are aware of the needs we can work with the residents and relevant teams in the council to implement specific assistance in accordance with the particular needs.
Additional information for leaseholders
Once we know the results of the survey we will discuss our next steps with individual leaseholders. This includes any potential cost of the work that needs to be carried out.
Closure of garages – apply for an estate parking permit
We permanently closed the estate’s garages on Monday 8 January 2024.
We’ve allocated alternative garages to residents who still need one and provided parking permits to people on the estate.
If you were parking your car in a garage, the easiest way to park close to your home now is by applying for an estate parking permit.
The fastest way to apply for a permit is online, by visiting Estate resident parking permits.
You will need:
- a personal email address
- your vehicle registration number
- a debit or credit card
If you have a disability, you need to provide a copy of your blue badge (on both sides).
If we can’t confirm your residency and vehicle information automatically, we may ask you to provide proof of residency and / or vehicle ownership. We will accept scanned copies or photos of supporting documents.
Contact us
Contact our Resident Safety Team to ask a question or to request a video call. You can contact them by emailing gascoyne@hackney.gov.uk or calling 020 8356 1502.