Tower Hamlets Council Orders Removal of Dangerous Cladding

Tower Hamlets Council in London has made a significant move by securing a remediation order against the owners of a high-rise building, mandating the removal of dangerous aluminium composite material (ACM) cladding. This action marks the first legal enforcement of its kind by a council against a private building owner in the UK, following the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, which was exacerbated by similar cladding. The order requires the owners to replace the ACM cladding and install new safety features, with strict penalties for non-compliance. In a separate development, plans have also been submitted to Hull City Council to replace combustible cladding on Kemley House, a residential building, ensuring residents can stay during the works. Both measures are part of ongoing efforts across the UK to enhance building safety and protect residents from fire hazards. Tower Hamlets Executive Mayor Lutfur Rahman emphasized the urgency of addressing the risks posed by ACM cladding, highlighting that many buildings remain unsafe years after Grenfell.