Whetstone leaseholders demand answers after year of power cuts and broken promises

Leaseholders at Thatcham Court in Whetstone say freeholder Beechwood Developers Ltd started construction without warning, left power cables exposed, and refused to provide safety documents. Residents report a year of power cuts, water loss, and unanswered complaints.

Jeremy Owens, spokesperson for the leaseholders, said the problems began in 2025 when Beechwood started work on a side extension approved in April that year. He said the company did not consult residents or issue notices, which he believes breaches their leases.

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Power cuts and exposed cables

Owens said construction workers used communal power and water, causing outages. In one incident, a thunderstorm damaged an exposed electric cable on the side build, cutting power to the whole neighbourhood. UK Power Networks had to intervene, as reported by Barnet Post.

Residents also raised concerns about drainage and scaffolding erected without notice. Owens said Beechwood did not submit accurate Construction Design and Management (CDM) documents until after the consultation period had closed, leaving residents unable to challenge them.

Council finds no planning breaches

Barnet Council told Barnet Post it had assessed the planning issues and found no evidence of wrongdoing. A spokesperson said: “The council is aware of concerns raised by residents regarding Thatcham Court and has considered these over an extended period. Council officers have assessed the planning issues raised and are satisfied they have been addressed in accordance with the council’s statutory duties.”

The council added that many of the complaints, including leasehold disputes and private disagreements, fall outside its remit as a planning authority. It said it cannot take sides in disputes between residents and freeholders.

Promises made, not kept

Beechwood eventually agreed to meet residents after months of complaints. Owens said the company promised six months’ free service charge and to cover communal electricity and water costs during construction. It also pledged to refurbish communal areas once work is complete.

But Owens said Beechwood has not delivered. Residents still do not have policy documents or a construction schedule. The company also reneged on a promise to put them in touch with a structural engineer, he said.

“We’re not even opposing the build, we are merely asking Beechwood to accept responsibility, to give us proof that the work is safe, and to be honest.”

Jeremy Owens, Thatcham Court leaseholder spokesperson

What happens next

Beechwood Developers Ltd has not responded to requests for comment from Barnet Post or Barnet Press. It is unclear whether the company will provide the documents and schedule residents have demanded.

Residents say they will continue to press for answers. Owens said they want proof the work complies with safety regulations and a timeline for completion. Without it, he said, they cannot feel secure in their homes.