Shocking problems with damp and mould at social housing flats in the city centre have been highlighted in a new report.
Clarkson House was built in the 1980s
LiveWest runs Clarkson House in Great Stanhope Street, where there are 54 flats over five levels.
The housing association has submitted a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council to carry out major repairs at the 1980s block, which it is understood will cost in the region of £700,000.
Clarkson House is split into three sub-blocks – 5, 6 and 7. Last year LiveWest commissioned a specialist engineering and design company, McAndrew Martin Limited (MML), to carry out a roof condition and thermal review of the whole building.
MML were advised before their visit that there was no information available about the “type, location or service history” of the building’s three centralised ventilation systems, that the roof has asbestos tiles and that there is no insulation in the cavity walls.
They were also told that damp and mould cases account for a high volume of repairs, with more than 100 raised since November 2021.
The experts say in their report, which is dated last month: “During the visit, serious areas of concern were identified across the residential units and the circulation areas.”
They explain: “Based on the volume of damp and mould repairs since 2021, it is clear that adequate ventilation is not being provided within all properties and that internal humidity levels are above acceptable levels.
“The front elevation has timber, single-glazed sliding sash windows which are contributing to the reduction in thermal performance and damp and mould troubles.
“There is currently no insulation within the cavities of the external walls, nor to the party walls where the stairwell adjoins the main building.
“With none in situ within the walls, it is likely none has been used within the mansard wall sections to the upper floors.
“Areas causing water ingress are at the junction where the stairwell and main building adjoin and where the flashings have lifted or are poorly fitted.”
The report adds: “Water ingress to Block 5 stairwell and communal areas can be seen from the third-floor ceiling areas, running down the walls of the stairwell and inner party wall, which has spread across three levels.”
The report adds: “Remedial/upgrade works across all building elements are necessary to ensure no further deterioration of the existing building fabric occurs.”
The planning application involves a full roof replacement including new lead flashings and lead guttering.
Also proposed are a thermal upgrade of existing external walls, and mechanical and electrical services works to flats and circulation spaces.
The planning reference is 25/00401/FUL. The deadline for people to comment on the proposals is 13th March.
