What Building Owners Must Learn from the £550,000 Cladding Compensation Landmark Case
Published: 13/06/2025
In another landmark outcome for building safety and leaseholder protection, residents of the Exchange development in Bermondsey, London, have secured £550,000 in compensation from Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) over serious cladding and fire safety defects. The settlement, which applies to 76 leaseholders and freeholders in the five-block development, includes full remediation funded by NHG and contractor United Living.
This, in addition to the recent Barratt Redrow case reflects growing legal pressure on those responsible for building unsafe properties and is a significant step in how legacy construction risks are addressed post-Grenfell.
The settlement takes responsibility for legacy fire safety issues, particularly those stemming from aluminium composite material (ACM) and other combustible elements used in construction before 2017.
The Exchange contained aluminium composite material (ACM), combustible insulation, and missing or inadequate cavity barriers, which are common defects in many buildings constructed in the past two decades. Crucially, the settlement terms ensure that no future leaseholders can be recharged for the works or legal costs, setting a clear precedent for responsibility to remain with housing providers and contractors.
This case is not just about remediation; it reflects a fundamental change in how duty of care, risk, and compliance are interpreted in legal and professional contexts, and more cases like this will arise.
The Growing Demands of Façade Compliance
For freeholders, housing associations, and managing agents, the implications are clear: delaying façade compliance or underestimating technical liabilities is no longer viable ethically, legally, or reputationally.
With evolving regulations under the Building Safety Act and increasing enforcement around external wall systems, those responsible for residential buildings must now demonstrate not just intent, but action: verified safety assessments, documented due diligence, and fully compliant remediation solutions.
How We Support Safer, Compliant Buildings
We provide comprehensive façade consultancy and compliance services, supporting responsible people (RP), asset managers and stakeholders at every stage of the façade safety lifecycle. Our services include:
- EWS1 assessments by qualified professionals
- Guidance on when an EWS1 form is required and how to address identified issues
- FRAEW Surveys carried out against PAS 9980 guidance to identify material composition, risk risk and construction defects
Cladding Remediation Project Management
- Full lifecycle support: design development, tendering, contract administration, and clerk of works services
- Liaison with planning authorities, building control, and fire engineers
- Resident engagement and communications strategies
Compliance Advisory & Strategy
- Building Safety Act compliance audits
- Guidance on golden thread requirements and safety case file preparation
- Portfolio-wide risk mapping for asset managers and housing providers
Technical Due Diligence & Expert Witness Services
- Investigations into latent defects and liability exposure
- Support for legal claims and insurance negotiations
- Independent expert reports for tribunals or litigation
Are You Ready to Act? We're Here to Help.
Whether you’re in the early stages of identifying potential cladding risks, looking to commission intrusive investigations, or managing a live remediation programme, our expert team is on hand to guide you.
Speak to a façade consultant to discuss your building or portfolio, request an initial compliance review, commission a PAS 9980 assessment or EWS1 survey, or just get clarity on your obligations under the Building Safety Act.
With a proven track record advising housing associations, private freeholders, developers, and managing agents, we bring clarity, compliance, and confidence to any of your façade-related challenges.
GET IN TOUCH today to start a conversation and secure your building’s future.