Full Breakdown
Scaffold Encircles North London Tower Block as Safety Repairs Stall
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Ongoing Scaffold Encirclement at Archway Heights
Residents of the nine-storey Archway Heights tower block in north London have lived behind a permanent scaffolding structure since 2020. The scaffolding was installed after a piece of external cladding fell off the building. Six years on, the metal framework remains, and residents report frequent breaches by intruders, rough sleepers and groups loitering on the structure.
02
Background and Regulatory Context
The cladding incident prompted the housing association People for Places to seek approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), a body created after the Grenfell Tower fire to enforce stricter building-safety laws. An initial application submitted in 2024 was invalidated because it lacked required information to demonstrate compliance with building regulations. A revised submission was made in January 2025 and has since required multiple requests for additional detail. Changes introduced by the Building Safety Act mean that higher-risk buildings such as Archway Heights need further approvals before remediation can begin.
03
Residents Describe Daily Impact
Natasha Dyett, who moved into the block two years ago, says the scaffolding has turned everyday life into a “nightmare.” “We've had the heatwave this summer; I've spent most of it with everything shut because we've had people breach the scaffolding all summer long,” — Natasha Dyett “It seems that every week someone is reporting people on the scaffolding,” — Natasha Dyett Ciara Squires, a nurse living in the building, adds that the constant darkness forces her to keep lights on during the day, driving up electricity costs and causing eye strain. “I try not to because it's becoming quite expensive using the light in the daytime, and then we go out into the actual daylight and squinting our eyes because we've been in darkness for so long.” — Ciara Squires Other tenants, including Jameel Choudhury, report that the scaffolding has attracted rough sleepers who occupy the cycle-store, bring in furniture and cooking equipment, and create noise that can be heard in nearby bedrooms.
04
Official Statements and Responses
People for Places confirmed that extra security has been deployed and that planning approval was secured in 2023. The association noted that the full integration of Origin Housing into People for Places was completed in April 2026, bringing roughly 9,000 homes under its management.
05
Timeline of Approvals and Planned Repairs
- 2020 – Scaffolding erected after cladding fell off.
- 2023 – Planning approval obtained.
- 2024 – First BSR application submitted; later invalidated.
- January 2025 – Revised application submitted; still pending further information.
- April 2026 – People for Places completes merger with Origin Housing.
- Future – Once approval is granted, repairs are expected to take 12 months.