Residents in a row of houses in Charlton that have partially collapsed face being shut out of their homes for an extended period because they have been declared dangerous.
Greenwich Council issued the notices on Thursday to most of the homes, in Woodland Terrace, after the parapet of three houses came crashing to the ground on the evening of August 22.
Nobody was injured. Some residents had to stay in the nearby St Thomas’ Church at first, while neighbours rallied round to offer space and essential items. It is believed that 20 households are still unable to return to their homes.
The notices do not condemn the buildings, which are believed to date back to the 1830s, but compel the owners to fix the defects and warn residents not to live in them until this is done. Two houses in the row have not been issued with notices and residents can still live there.
Woodland Terrace remains closed, with the 380 bus diverted via Hillreach, Little Heath and Charlton Park Road.
Residents met Matt Pennycook, the Greenwich & Woolwich MP and housing minister, and councillors on Friday morning at the church to discuss the situation.
Woodland Terrace is between two building sites where new homes are being constructed by the developer Lovell as part of a joint venture with Greenwich Council.
The homes are in front of the old Morris Walk Estate, which is being rebuilt by Lovell as Trinity Park; while opposite Woodland Terrace the developer is starting work on Trinity Rise, which will replace the Maryon Grove Estate. Work has stopped on the sites.
Neighbours have also talked about poor ground conditions in the area – in 2016 a car was nearly swallowed by a sinkhole nearby – while the collapse follows what is likely to be the hottest summer on record.
Lovell has arranged for security to watch the houses. A spokesperson said: “Residents’ safety and wellbeing remain our priority. We recognise how worrying and disruptive this week has been and we remain committed to supporting residents and keeping them informed.
“We welcomed the opportunity to meet with residents again today, alongside Matthew Pennycook MP and local ward councillors. It was a constructive discussion and an important opportunity to listen, answer questions, share information and hear their concerns.
“Throughout the week, our team has remained in close contact with residents, providing regular updates and we have continued to work closely with the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We will continue to keep residents informed.”
A council spokesperson said on Friday: “”The council’s focus remains on supporting residents affected by the collapse at Woodland Terrace and ensuring they have clear information about what happens next. Following detailed investigations, Building Control has now served dangerous structure notices on all but two affected properties.
“The notices have been issued because parts of the buildings, including parapets, have been assessed as unsafe and require remedial work. Building Control has completed its assessment and property owners are now responsible for obtaining professional advice and arranging any surveys, repairs and other works needed to address the issues identified in the notices.
“While a dangerous structure notice does not automatically prevent access to a property, it confirms that significant safety risks have been identified. Residents are strongly advised not to enter or return to affected properties unless it is necessary to arrange surveys, inspections or works required to make the buildings safe. The council will continue to support residents and provide updates on any significant developments.”
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