Kuwait-based firm ordered to address fire safety concerns in Paddington block

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

A judge has ordered works to be completed on a Paddington residential block with combustible cladding within 19 months, after the council took the landlord to tribunal over how long it was taking to address.

Behbehani Middle East Trading Company, which is incorporated in Kuwait and owns the building, has been instructed to carry out a fire door survey and remedy a host of issues, from fire detection systems to no wayfinding signage, as well as replacing the dangerous cladding.

Although nobody is living there due to the safety issues, Westminster City council brought the case to a residential property tribunal to force the landlord to get the work done swiftly.

The council wishes to see the building brought back into use at a time when homes are desperately needed across London, and even without anyone living there, the fire risks remain.

Shortly after the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, Westminster wrote to all owners of buildings more than 18 metres tall requiring them to confirm whether ACM cladding was present. 5 Praed Street was among those to confirm it was.

At the time the residential spaces in the building were used as accommodation by overseas students, though they were vacated shortly afterwards while the freeholder explored options.

Due to the building being a commercial property, it was not eligible for any Government funding allocated to support the safety work needed for tall structures.

The council served a hazard awareness notice in October 2019 followed by a prohibition order almost three years later, ensuring the building was not lived in until remediation works were completed.

An order has now been made by Westminster for the landlord to remedy the defects and carry out the works specified by the end of October 2026.

Cllr Aicha Less, cabinet member for public protection and licensing, said: “The safety of buildings is a primary concern. We welcome the decision of Judge Carr to make a remediation order at 5 Praed Street, ensuring that the unsafe cladding will be removed, and vital accommodation will be brought back into use.”

Behbehani Middle East Trading Company has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: 5 Praed Street (Picture: LDRS)