Tribunal ruling mandates remediation at 5 Praed Street

A judge has ruled that fire safety works must be completed within 19 months at a Paddington residential block with combustible cladding.

Behbehani Middle East Trading Company, the Kuwait-incorporated owner of 5 Praed Street, must replace the cladding and address other safety concerns following a tribunal case brought by Westminster City Council.

The tribunal ruling requires the company to conduct a fire door survey, upgrade fire detection systems, and install wayfinding signage.

The building, which is currently unoccupied due to safety concerns, must undergo these works by October 2026.

Westminster council pursued tribunal action over delays

Westminster City Council initiated legal action to ensure the necessary fire safety improvements were completed.

Although no residents currently occupy the building, the council argued that the ongoing fire risks required urgent action.

Additionally, officials highlighted the need for more housing in London, pushing for the property’s return to residential use.

Following the Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, Westminster requested that owners of buildings over 18 metres tall confirm whether they contained ACM cladding. 5 Praed Street was among those identified.

Lack of government funding delayed remediation efforts

When the presence of ACM cladding was confirmed, the building was being used for overseas student accommodation.

The premises were vacated while the freeholder considered remediation options.

Because the property is classified as a commercial building, it did not qualify for government funding allocated for the removal of unsafe cladding from residential high-rises.

The council issued a hazard awareness notice in October 2019, followed by a prohibition order nearly three years later.

This prevented the building from being occupied until all safety risks were addressed.

Deadline set for completion of fire safety works

The tribunal has now issued a formal order requiring Behbehani Middle East Trading Company to complete all necessary remediation work by October 2026.

Cllr Aicha Less, Westminster’s 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 was contacted by London News Online for comment.

Tribunal orders fire safety works for Paddington residential block: Summary

A tribunal has ruled that Behbehani Middle East Trading Company must complete fire safety remediation at 5 Praed Street, Paddington, by October 2026.

The order follows Westminster City Council’s legal action to address delays in removing combustible cladding and implementing safety measures.

The property has been unoccupied since 2017, when ACM cladding was identified.

The council initially issued a hazard awareness notice in 2019 and later a prohibition order.

The building did not qualify for government safety funding due to its commercial status.

The tribunal ruling requires the company to replace the cladding, conduct a fire door survey, install wayfinding signage, and upgrade fire detection systems.

The council has welcomed the decision, citing both safety concerns and housing demand.