7 Porchester Square City Of Westminster W2 6AL

I purchased this flat on 2 July 2026 as my sole primary residence, with no initial intention of undertaking works of this scope, which might require LBC. However, on 15 July 2026, an acute water ingress from the council-owned flat above (Flat C) caused collapse of the active electrical circuits, leaving the property unsafe and uninhabitable. Subsequent emergency investigation uncovered devastating structural saturation of the concealed fabric of the original plaster ceiling, rotten timber laths, and widespread toxic black mould and fungal contamination across the original ceiling matrix and partition walls. Crucially, documentation in my vendor's legal pack reveals a major water ingress incident from Flat C in April 2021. This proves Westminster City Council failed to rectify the root-cause plumbing defect over a multi-year period, allowing hidden, continuous leaks to destroy the structural fabric of the historic ceiling. Despite the severity of this disaster, Westminster City Council ignored initial reports. Even after the second severe leak on 7 August while its contractors were working (again) in Flat C. Basic council engagement was only established after formal intervention by my local ward councillor during Stage 1 complaint proceedings. Left with an uninhabitable home and no council action, emergency investigative works were carried out to remove a modern, non-original secondary ceiling that was covering and concealing the original fabric. An independent building pathology survey was then commissioned from Hampstead Chartered Surveyors (attached to this application for full review). Their expert report confirms that multi-year water saturation and fungal rot have destroyed the historic lath and plaster key beyond repair, creating an active overhead structural and health hazard. The report formally approves the necessity of emergency works to address this immediate danger to safety under Section 9(3) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. No further strip-out of original fabric has taken place prior to this application. I cannot wait indefinitely while paying double expenses for temporary rent and storage while my sole home sits destroyed. Westminster's insurers seem extremely reluctant to fund traditional 3-coat wet lime plastering due to its immense cost and multi-month drying timelines. I am therefore proposing an expedited, pragmatic reinstatement: 1. Installation of a modern, non-structural high-density acoustic and fire-rated plasterboard ceiling lining fixed to intact structural timber joists. 2. Reinstatement of decorative fibrous plaster cornicing faithfully matching the original Victorian profile. 3. Interior redecoration with breathable paint finishes. This proposal preserves the full visual heritage of the Grade II listed building while restoring inter-flat safety and allowing me to safely re-occupy my home. An urgent decision is respectfully requested.

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