LEASEHOLDERS IN 'DAVID AND GOLIATH' TEST - We should not face such big repair bills, say people on Lillington Gardens Estate

Published: 21 October 2010
by JOSH LOEB

WESTMINSTER residents are gearing up for a David and Goliath battle with City Hall over thousands of pounds of repair bills.

Representatives of Westminster City Council are due at a tribunal hearing next week that could order a review into major works taking place on a housing estate in Pimlico.

The works, which include repairs to brickwork and paving slabs, could cost leaseholders on the Lillington Gardens estate thousands of pounds each but have been “uncapped” so the final amount is unknown.

This week leaseholders’ champion Jonny Mulligan, who lives in Repton House in Lillington Gardens, said he had received estimates ranging from £6,000 to £9,000 for the works and he believed more than 80 residents could be affected  

He said: “For my flat it was decided that the balcony door needed easing and one window catch needed to be repaired. My estimated bill is around £7,000 and it was £4,000 the last time they carried out work like this. 

“We already pay for the upkeep of these buildings through service charges so we should not be facing such high bills. I do not think they have got best value.”

James Lamb, a construction industry consultant who also lives on the estate, called the cost of the works “ridiculous”.

He said: “The council are behaving like a bull in a china shop. 

“The cost is going to be extortionate and they are saying they can’t find anything cheaper. 

“There’s going to be a massive bill for replacing a bit of concrete on the balcony and a bit of wood around our windows.”

Richard Parry, another leaseholder, called the costs “alarming”.

Peter Sheehan, who lives in neighbouring Longmoore – which is also scheduled for refurbishment under the council’s “major works” scheme – said residents were facing a “David and Goliath battle” but added “…we believe Jonny has caught the council out”.

Westminster Labour group leader Paul Dimoldenberg said that “hard-pressed” residents in other parts of Westminster were facing a similar situation.

He said: “Every month brings a new case of unhappy leaseholders who are faced with these large bills. 

“Westminster City Council really need to ask themselves some fundamental questions about value for money.”

At the Residential Property Tribunal Service hearing in Fitzrovia on Monday October 25 Mr Mulligan will claim that the city council have failed to comply with its wishes by not serving him with relevant documents and will ask that bills for leaseholders be reduced.

A city council spokesman said: “While we cannot comment on an ongoing case, both the council and CityWest Homes are confident that the consultation on the major works scheme has been thorough. 

“CityWest Homes have been working closely with a group of residents on the Lillington Gardens estate on current and proposed major works to ensure their views are taken into account and they are fully involved in all aspects of the scheme. 

“All leases clearly state what leaseholders should expect to pay towards and this includes a proportion of the costs of major works as well as the regular management and maintenance of the estate.”