Croydon's 'House of Horrors': New 2024 Block Plunged into Disrepair
A recently completed apartment block in Croydon, intended to provide "thoughtful urban living," has rapidly deteriorated into a state of severe disrepair, according to residents and local activists. The property at 16 Smitham Downs Road in Purley, finished in 2024 and used for temporary accommodation, is already plagued by collapsed ceilings, a flooded basement, and critical fire safety concerns, sparking outrage over poor planning and neglect.
Basement Flooding and Structural Failures
The communal basement of the nine-apartment building is almost entirely submerged in foul-smelling stagnant water, rendering it unusable for its intended purposes as an underground car park and waste disposal area. Local resident Chris Caffyn, who has been advocating for change, highlighted that the basement was constructed at a lower level than approved in planning applications, leading to persistent leaks and an dangerously steep access ramp. Additionally, the lack of EV charging points, as promised in the plans, further compounds the issues.
Resident Experiences and Safety Hazards
A former resident described a terrifying incident where the bathroom ceiling in their apartment collapsed without warning. "I heard a big bang and thought someone had fallen," they said, noting that luckily no one was in the bath at the time. Beyond this, residents reported plaster falling off walls, malfunctioning doorknobs, and broken showers. More alarmingly, the communal fire exit was described as extremely difficult to open, posing a significant fire hazard. In response, the London Fire Brigade issued an enforcement notice in June last year, mandating improvements to fire risk assessments and emergency routes.
Property Management and Council Response
Residents have expressed frustration with the property management, citing unresponsive approaches and delays in repairs. Youssef Mansor, who lived at the address with his family, stated, "I called the management nearly 100 times and they would not pick up the phone." Property owner Ali Khalid of Smitham Residences Ltd acknowledged outstanding issues but attributed delays to council approvals and trial-and-error repairs. Meanwhile, local councillors Samir Dwesar and Simon Brew have been working with authorities to address the problems, though Chris Caffyn claims they have not engaged directly with tenants.
Broader Implications and Calls for Action
The situation has raised serious questions about the use of the property for temporary accommodation without necessary repairs. Chris Caffyn believes this represents a "serious failure of care," with the building symbolizing broader issues of poor planning and enforcement. Despite some remedial fire safety works, concerns persist about the overall habitability and safety of the development, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive action from both the property owner and Croydon Council.
