More than three quarters of the block’s existing flats objected to the plans By Local Democracy Reporter Josh Mellor
An impression of the block with the added floor (credit: Triplerose)
Leaseholders in a Leyton flat block have accused the council of “perpetuating scandal” by allowing the building’s owner to build extra flats on their roof.
Earlier this month, Waltham Forest Council’s planning committee approved an application to add a fifth floor on top of Bridge Court in Lea Bridge Road.
The freehold for the block, first built in the 1930s, is owned by Triplerose Ltd, who plan to fit eight new one and two-bed flats into the extra floor.
Councillors voted unanimously to approve the plans, despite objections from 35 of the block’s 45 flats.
At the meeting on 14th June, existing resident Ben Edwards accused Triplerose of engaging in “lawfare” against the block and told councillors: “If you approve this work you will not be easing the housing crisis, you will be perpetuating the leasehold scandal.”
A spokesperson for Triplerose, controlled by Israel Moskovitz, 54, said the company denies “any wrongdoing” in response to his allegations.
They added: “At all times, we have, and continue to, follow legal advice, engaging with residents where appropriate to resolve issues as they occur.”
The council’s planning department recommended the roof extension, finding it would “complement the overall design of the building”.
Redacted documents on the council’s website show its planning department offered Triplerose’s team six pages of paid advice in June last year.
Speaking in opposition to the plans, resident Kim Downing said it is “bizarre” that a home owner can buy a flat and have “so little control” of the building it is in.
Councillors and planning officers did not answer when Kim asked how residents would be compensated for paying to replace the roof six years ago.
Fellow resident Nicholas Watson said: “This is not an application for affordable housing, it’s clearly a money-making attempt at our expense. If not for this committee, then who will protect us in this regard?”
Planning committee chair Jenny Gray said adding an extra storey on the roof of residential buildings is “very common” in urban areas like Waltham Forest.
She added: “I sympathise with the residents about the really rubbish management… but it’s not a planning ground.
“We couldn’t reject an application that is compliant with all the conditions it meets, I’m satisfied that the conditions have been met.”
Triplerose have been party to a number of recent court judgements related to the rights of freeholders, leaseholders and tenants.
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