Residential building structural problem in Stansted

We now have the results of the engineers' investigatory report commissioned by Affinity Water.

The report provides a number of findings from the ground radar survey that was carried out. The report indicates a partly collapsed shallow void leaving disturbed and loose ground in and around the affected car park area. The survey work further afield from the affected property did not show disturbed ground or voids so it would appear this incident is likely to be confined to the immediate area and is unlikely to extend further or impact on other nearby buildings.

The safety fencing will stay in place around the building and garages, but it will be repositioned to allow the near neighbours to gain footway access to the front of their properties.

The insurance companies on behalf of the properties impacted are actively involved and we would anticipate they will be taking a lead in further actions.

Additional survey works

You may notice contractors and surveyors on-site carrying out additional survey work. We do not anticipate that these works will impact on access to your home, but this situation may change depending on the nature of the works required in the longer term.

We have no direct responsibility for the remedial works.

Future updates

As your local authority, we will continue to coordinate the information from the agencies involved. We will also remain in direct contact with residents of the impacted properties but will now only be providing any general updates via this website page.
 

Questions and answers

Further information on this incident and what you can do if you have any concerns.

What is the issue

There is a structural issue relating to a property near the entrance of Spencer Close, Stansted which has caused the property to subside.

Safety fencing is in place around the property and some neighbouring garages to make the area safe.

When will the safety fencing be removed from number 25

We do not have a timescale for this - it will depend on further survey work and outcomes.

Will my property be affected

The engineers' investigatory report, commissioned by Affinity Water, provides a number of findings from a ground radar survey that was conducted. The report indicates a partly collapsed shallow void leaving disturbed and loose ground in and around the affected car park area.

The survey work further afield from the affected property did not show disturbed ground or voids so it would appear this incident is likely to be confined to the immediate area and is unlikely to extend further or impact on other nearby buildings.

Whose responsibility is this

It will be up to the private property owners and their insurers to carry out any further surveys and work. You may notice contractors and surveyors on-site carrying out additional survey work.

We do not anticipate that these works will impact on access to your home, but this situation may change depending on the nature of the works required in the longer term.

If you are concerned about your property

If you are concerned that your property will be affected, please contact your insurance company.

We cannot take responsibility for investigating or certifying that any property is safe and not at similar risk.

If you are concerned about the road

If there is a concern about any de-stabilisation of the highway/road, this would be the responsibility of Essex Highways at Essex County Council.

What is Uttlesford District Council's role

Our primary roles are to ensure the safety of dangerous structures and emergency planning, such as in the event of evacuations.

We have no direct responsibility for:

• the remedial works that will need to be carried out
• investigating or certifying that any property is safe and not at similar risk

However, as the local authority, we continue to take the lead on coordinating the information from the agencies involved. We remain in direct contact with the residents of the impacted properties. Any general updates will be made available on this webpage.

What you should do if there is an emergency or if you feel unsafe

This would be the same as in any emergency situation - you should contact 999.

In the event of a dangerous structure or building, you can also call our Customer Service Centre on 01799 510510 (press 3 for our emergency call handling service).

What you should do if you cannot find the information we are looking for here

If you have any concerns you can contact us.

Email: uconnect@uttlesford.gov.uk

Telephone: 01799 510510

Our Customer Service Centre team can take your details and pass them on to an officer who will call you back.

Updated: 8:58am on 5 December 2024