Hartopp and Lannoy Points - background information

Hartopp and Lannoy Points are two identical 14 storey blocks in Munster Ward of Hammersmith & Fulham, each containing 56 flats. They are part of the Aintree Estate.

They were built in 1968-70 using a technique known as 'Large Panel System' (LPS), the same system used in the Ronan Point disaster in 1969 in Newham. Some additional bracing was undertaken at Hartopp and Lannoy in 1970. The gas supply has been removed from the blocks.

H&F Council's structural engineers confirmed in August 2017 that the both blocks are structurally sound. In addition, they recommended a second stage assessment involving more intrusive testing. The second stage assessment was completed in March 2018. Read the full Stage II report from our structural engineers (pdf 4MB).

In March 2018 we also commissioned independent structural engineers Arup to validate our Stage II report, undertake further studies of void properties throughout the two blocks, and make further recommendations to the council.

The findings from this more detailed structural survey by Arup were published on 25 February 2019.

The Arup report confirms the findings of the initial structural survey, and recommend that the council should either strengthen the blocks or demolish them as soon as practicable.

Refurbishment of the two blocks is estimated to cost more than £16million and, with the inherent structural problems of large panel system buildings, would not provide a good value option.

Consultation

H&F Council consulted residents on a proposal to demolish Hartopp and Lannoy Points.

Following consultation with residents, the council is now recommending demolition of both blocks.

Demolition

Demolition - May 2021

The demolition of Hartopp Point and Lannoy Point on health and safety grounds have now been completed and will make way for a new housing development on site.

We are now working with contractors to prepare the site for redevelopment and remove more debris from the site before its handed back to the council in about 11 weeks.

Environmental monitors for noise, dust and vibration will continue to monitor the site throughout this period as an added assurance to neighbours.

If you would like further information, please email the team: HLP@lbhf.gov.uk

Demolition - December 2020

Hartopp Point and Lannoy Point are being demolished for health and safety reasons, on the advice of structural experts. All residents have now moved to new homes.

We have appointed The Coleman Group to carry out the demolition work. They have extensive experience of demolishing complex buildings, including blocks like Hartopp Point and Lannoy Point.

The tower blocks will be completely enclosed in a sheet-covered scaffolding, which will help reduce noise and dust. They will be dismantled from the top down using a crane to lift each panel to the ground. Scaffolding will be removed as the work progresses.

We will protect some trees, but others will unfortunately have to be felled to allow the demolition to be carried out safely. The roots of some trees will also be affected by the removal of the blocks' foundations. The green space on Pellant Road, which forms part of the estate, will temporarily be closed-off for your safety.

Site traffic will be managed to minimise the effect on local residents. Vehicles will arrive and leave from Lillie Road via Pellant Road and will not be allowed to use neighbouring residential roads. Most of the material will be kept on site to minimise the number of vehicles coming and going throughout demolition.

The blocks will be demolished by early 2021.

If you would like further information, please email the team: HLP@lbhf.gov.uk

The demolition will go ahead despite the coronavirus outbreak as this work is being undertaken for health and safety reasons. A plan has been developed to commence structural demolition work while maintaining safe social distancing. We are monitoring government guidance on social distancing and construction industry in case of any changes.

This demolition work is taking place for urgent health and safety reasons, and we are still putting together a brief for the development of the site, including the replacement of both council and other homes. We will be working with local residents on this plan, and are committed to including at least 50% genuinely affordable homes.

Initial demolition notice and letter to residents

Compulsory purchase order

The council has made a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire third party interests in Hartopp Point and Lannoy Point, in order to carry out the demolition of Hartopp and Lannoy Point and enable the redevelopment of the site.

The CPO is known as 'The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (Hartopp and Lannoy Point) Compulsory Purchase Order 2019' and documents relating to the CPO can be accessed and viewed on the following links:

CPO documents can also be inspected in person at:

  • the council's office at 145 King Street, Hammersmith, London W6 9XY during normal working hours and by prior appointment by contacting Mo Goudah on 020 8753 2620 or email mo.goudah@lbhf.gov.uk
  • Fulham Library, 598 Fulham Road, Fulham, London SW6 5NX during normal opening hours.

Key commitments

The following documents set out our key commitments to tenants and leaseholders, and build on the March 2019 consultation document commitments and which were confirmed by the council's cabinet on 29 April 2019.

Can residents remain in Hartopp and Lannoy?

We are currently seeking to empty both blocks by December 2019 to ensure the safety of the residents.

We are liaising with residents who have notified us that they are vulnerable due to a disability and who have expressed a wish to move to another property. This is being treated as a priority and tenants supported in making these moves.

Our housing management team are now on site three times a week for drop-in service, for three hours at a time, as well as one Saturday morning each month.

Fire safety measures at Hartopp and Lannoy

Working with the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and leading fire strategist CS Todd & Associates, we have improved both blocks to keep residents safe, including:

  1. fire wardens are on site 24/7
  2. the installation of the communal fire alarm systems is complete
  3. the production of a detailed Emergency Plan
  4. a secure premises information box
  5. evacuation chairs installed
  6. leading fire safety experts, CS Todd & Associates are reviewing our safety strategy
  7. a programme of works for fire related safety works.

For more information about these safety measures, read the Hartopp and Lannoy Points fire safety fact sheet (pdf 340KB).

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