Galliard in court over Docklands flats

by Kathy Watson



Galliard Homes has been involved in two legal actions by residents alleging building defects in the prestigious Burrells Wharf development in London Docklands.

In one action, Galliard reached a settlement with Sundelta, owner of one of the penthouse flats, before the case was due in the Technology and Construction Court.

In the other case last week, Galliard came in for heavy censure from the judge who ruled it must provide 101 drawings to the residents' group, Burrells Wharf Freehold (BWF), which is alleging fire integrity defects in a large number of flats. The judge ruled Galliard must pay all their costs, estimated at around £10,000. Galliard admitted to the court it had spent £22,000 opposing BWF's case.

Solicitor Mark Fairweather, who acts for Sundelta and BWF, said: "Sundelta had been pursuing the case for four years and would not have backed off half an hour before the proceedings without very good reason to do so."

The residents' association has also lodged notice of a claim to the National House-Building Council under its Buildmark scheme. The NHBC was responsible for building regulations supervision on three of the blocks. An NHBC spokeswoman confirmed it is investigating the matter.

Galliard Homes company secretary George Angus refused to comment.

The complex is a mix of new build and refurbishment of factories started by Kentish Homes in 1987. It went into receivership in 1989 and the complex was completed by Galliard and its subsidiary Packamist in 1993.

Sundelta alleged major building and fire integrity defects in its penthouse flat which was created from two units.

Initial costs for correcting the defects had been put at £750,000 plus VAT. BWF's surveyor, Easton Bevins, has just finished a survey of 340 of the 406 flats in the complex in pursuit of BWF's claim. The case continues.