Developer Galliard the latest to put pen to paper

London developer Galliard Homes is the latest firm to sign the government’s cladding pledge.

Stephen Conway, chair and chief executive of the £294m turnover firm, confirmed its commitment to remediating its own blocks between 11m and 18m, adding the housebuilder had “always been fully committed to rectifying any defects to our buildings”.

galliard

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Galliard has built several residential schemes in east London in the past few years 

He added: “Galliard places the utmost importance on its corporate responsibilities to owners and occupiers of apartment blocks we have constructed.

“We have been clear with the government, from the outset, that the cost of remediation should be borne fairly between all participants, including Galliard Homes.

“Following the recent progress of the government in its endeavours to deliver a voluntary and joined-up industry-wide response to rectifying historic building defects, I am pleased to announce that in accordance with our principles of business we are now signatories of the Building Safety Repairs Pledge.”

There had been speculation the developer was undecided about signing with reports claiming it wanted “a clear and succinct plan” before putting pen to paper.

Last week contractors and architects were told they also needed to contribute to the government’s £4bn cladding fund by the boss of the product sector’s leading trade body.

Construction Products Association (CPA) chief executive Peter Caplehorn said materials firms and housebuilders were not the only sectors responsible for the cladding crisis and the government should look at a “broader picture”.

The executive chair of the Home Builders Federation, Stewart Baseley, has also said other parts of the building industry needed to put their hands in their pockets as well.

Housing secretary Michael Gove has warned those firms he thinks should sign the pledge that they risk seeing their schemes blocked from getting planning if they don’t.

The number of known firms to have signed the pledge now stands at nearly 40.

Crest Nicholson has signed the pledge after initially being listed as a company intending to sign. It has estimated the extra cost of committing to the initiative will be between £80m and £120m.