HAWTHORN CRESCENT
Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth Homes - Building Safety
Floor 3 Core 5
Civic Offices
Guildhall Square
Portsmouth
PO1 2AL
tel. 023 9284 1674
email. decants@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Date: 10 September 2026
Dear
HAWTHORN CRESCENT (475-545) - update on planned building safety works
We're writing to provide you an update on the planned works to your block. We held an engagement event on 14 July 2026 and updated you on the works and key risks. Based on what we know now, works will not start in September. Here are the main updates:
- Planning permission - this was granted by the local planning authority on 13 August 2026
- Network Rail scaffolding approval - approval from network rail is due by 25 September
- SGN agreed gas pipework removal, upgrade & replacement - SGN need to provide a final quotation, and we expect to receive this by 25 September. There is likely to be a 12-week lead time before SGN can begin the required works to remove the gas pipes so it is anticipated SGN will be on site in December.
When we met you, we showed you how the temporary accommodation would work within the block. Lawtech Ltd. will start work on the empty properties in October, to make sure they are ready for you to move into whilst we carry out works on your home.
Although you will see contractors on site and around the building from this time, we will not be asking anyone to move into the temporary accommodation until January 2027. This means you will be able to spend Christmas in your own homes, without any of the major works happening around you. Scaffolding will be put up before the New Year.
Unfortunately, this delay is outside of our control, and we understand the frustrations this may cause. We know some of you will have already started preparing to move and we will continue to support you in getting ready for the temporary move.
FAQs
We will continue to keep your webpage up to date. You can view the updated timelines and FAQs by visiting www.portsmouth.gov.uk/hawthorncrescent or by scanning the QR code below.
If you have any further questions about the project in the meantime, please contact us using the details at the top of this letter. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Fitch
Head of Decants