Housebuilder kicks off after appearing on cladding ‘list of shame’

Thirty-nine of the big developers have signed Gove's remediation contract and committed to fixing unsafe buildings they developed or refurbished. But not all.

Housing development

Developer London Square says it’s ‘disappointed’ to have been put on the Government’s ‘housebuilder list of shame’ after it received the wrong paperwork.

So far 39 of the country’s biggest developers have signed the government’s remediation contract – including the top ten biggest housebuilders – and committed themselves to fix unsafe buildings they developed or refurbished.

Developers will be legally bound to pay to fix their unsafe buildings and those who fail to sign will not be able to operate freely in the housing market and ‘face significant consequences’.

DISAPPOINTED

But a statement from London Square says: “We are disappointed to have been included in the list when we had not received a draft contract that was relevant to London Square to reflect the fact that we have no historic fire safety issues. Our lawyers are working to reach an agreement with the government lawyers and we understand they are close to achieving this. We are happy to sign when agreed.

 “We fully support the Government’s response to building safety and agree with the principle that leaseholders should not have to pay for any costs associated with fire safety remediation work.”

Those that are responsible for this crisis must pay.”

Michael Gove
Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, says: “I have been clear all along – those that are responsible for this crisis must pay.

“To those developers that have failed to sign the contract without good reason, let me be very clear – we are coming after you. If you do not sign, you will not be able to operate freely in the housing market. Your investors will see that your business model is broken – only responsible developers are welcome here.”

CONTRACT

Other firms yet to sign the contract include Abbey Developments; Avant; Ballymore; Dandara; Emerson Group (Jones Homes); Galliard Homes; Inland Homes; Lendlease; Rydon Homes and Telford Homes.

UPDATE From London Square

“We are pleased to have signed the remediation contract with the DLUHC. Our lawyers had made it clear to the legal team for DLUHC that the standard agreement we had been sent was inappropriate and not relevant to London Square.

“We have never had any cladding or fire safety issues yet remain totally committed to the pledge signed last year that leaseholders should not have to pay for any costs associated with fire safety remediation work and our agreement needed to reflect this.


 “It is deeply disheartening that 30 minutes after the Government announced the list of non-compliant developers, including London Square, who had not signed, their legal team conceded to London Square that the agreement needed to be modified, a point we had been making to them for some time.

“It is also very disappointing that the Government’s handling of the matter has discredited our excellent track record for building high quality homes and we have had to defend our reputation as a result.” 


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