Residents of a 1960s tower block in Exeter are facing eviction following a safety review, but the specific concerns highlighted by the local fire and rescue service remain undisclosed due to “data protection issues.” The city council has confirmed that the 61-flat building will be demolished, marking the end of an era for the once-thriving residential community.
The decision to vacate and demolish the tower block on Vaughan Road was communicated to residents earlier this year. The council’s compliance team, guided by the fire and rescue service, concluded that it was necessary to vacate the building entirely. This decision aligns with new government regulations introduced after a major fire tragedy in 2017, which emphasise tenant safety, particularly concerning fire safety and evacuation procedures. Despite the forthcoming demolition, residents were assured that the building was safe for the interim period, with ongoing compliance monitoring in place.
By February, the council aimed to vacate the tower block by July, working closely with the fire and rescue service to ensure a timely evacuation. As of last week, several residents remained, with the council confirming plans to rehouse them over the coming months.
When asked about their involvement and the specific safety concerns at the tower block, the fire and rescue service provided limited information. A spokesperson from the service revealed that the first inspection took place in December 2020, as part of the response to the 2017 fire disaster. This inspection was conducted by a dedicated team, and since then, the service has collaborated with the council to maintain interim safety measures while the council develops a long-term strategy.
Last November, public concern was sparked when fire crews were seen surrounding the tower block. The council later clarified that this was a training exercise involving a staged fire to gather valuable insights for real-life scenarios.
The future of the tower block’s site is already planned as part of the council’s housing development programme. The council determined that the necessary repairs for extended use of the building were not cost-effective. Projected refurbishment costs in 2022 amounted to millions of pounds, leading to the decision to replace the tower block with a new structure.
This decision was formalised by the council’s committee in February 2022. However, delays in evicting residents have been attributed to setbacks in the development of another housing project by the council. The new project, offering several flats for elderly residents, is now expected to be completed by October.
In light of these delays, some residents of the tower block have been given the option to move either permanently or temporarily to the new housing project or another nearby development. The nearby development will feature numerous new homes and is being developed by a council-owned company. The first phase of this project is scheduled for completion in June 2025.
As the tower block faces its final days, the council and fire and rescue service continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of its residents. The confidential nature of the specific fire safety concerns remains a point of contention, but the overall commitment to adhering to stringent safety regulations and ensuring a smooth transition for the remaining residents underscores the gravity of the situation.
The demolition of the tower block and the subsequent redevelopment plans reflect a broader effort by the council to modernise its housing stock, ensuring compliance with contemporary safety standards and enhancing the quality of life for its tenants. While the specifics of the safety concerns may remain undisclosed, the council’s proactive measures and the involvement of the fire and rescue service demonstrate a commitment to prioritising resident safety and addressing potential risks head-on.
As the transition progresses, the focus remains on providing secure and sustainable housing solutions for the displaced residents, with future developments promising improved living conditions and adherence to the highest safety standards.
