Residential building structural problem in Stansted
Latest information about the structural problem affecting a property in Spencer Close Stansted.
Update
As there have been no significant changes, and residents remain safe within their own properties there is no requirement for any further assistance or involvement from us.We do not know what work is planned to be carried out at the property and do not have a timeframe for how long the safety fencing will remain in place.
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.
What to do if:
- there is an emergency - you should call 999
- any structure becomes dangerous - you should call our Customer Service Centre on 01799 510510
- you have any other concerns - you can call our Customer Service Centre on 01799 510510. Our Customer Service Centre team can take your details and pass them on to an officer.
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.
Survey works and investigations
Borehole survey
Surveyors carried out a hand augured borehole survey on Monday 16 December.
This was further investigation work to ascertain the cause of the structural problem at number 25.
Affinity Water investigatory report
Affinity Water have commissioned an engineers' investigatory report.
The report provides a number of findings from the ground radar survey that was carried out. It 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.
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.
Other 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.
Who is responsible for the fencing
The Heras metal fencing has been put up by the insurance loss adjuster for number 25. It may be moved temporarily by contractors.
The smaller plastic temporary fencing around the partially collapsed wall outside number 26 has been put up by Affinity Water.
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.
What you should do if you cannot find the information you are looking for
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: 17.02pm on 22 January 2025