I am the Chairman of The Element Newhaven Owners Association, representing some 278 owners in a high-rise development in your constituency (EH6), whose developer went into administration in 2009.
In April 2021, our Factors, The Element Factors Ltd (TEF), registered an Expression of Interest (EOI) with ScotGov. Nine years later, in February 2026, TEF had a meeting with the ScotGov Cladding Remediation Team and provided further information, including three quotes from qualified surveying firms to carry out SBAs.
In June 2026, TEF was asked for a delivery plan, which was duly completed. We still do not have a start date for the work and, in the meantime, we have no knowledge as to whether our external wall cladding may constitute a risk to life or what work is needed to eliminate or mitigate this risk.
In the meantime, our owners are not able to sell their properties to any potential buyer requiring a mortgage or other external finance.
According to the ScotGov website, a small number of SBAs in Scotland have been completed, with only two being completed so far this year. This compares with some 50% of “at-risk” developments in England either starting or completing similar assessments. I understand that a significant number have also had remediation work completed.
In August 2025, the ScotGov Cabinet Secretary for Housing stated:
“This work will be delivered with urgency, transparency, and accountability. Residents will be kept informed, protected and supported throughout.”
So far, our experience has been far from this statement. It is now nine years since the Grenfell disaster, and our owners are increasingly frustrated by continuing delays in the assessment process, which appears to show no signs of urgency.
Regards
Alastair Byres (chair of The Element Newhaven Owners Association)