Residents living in privately-owned high-rise block will not have to pay to replace the flammable cladding that covers their homes.

The Croydon Guardian reported in October last year that people living at Citiscape in Drummond Road, Croydon, may need to pay close to £5,000 per flat to get the flammable cladding replaced, but that figure quickly grew to somewhere between £13,300 and £31,300.

This caused major uproar with the case eventually being put before a tribunal

But now Barratt Developments have agreed to pay the fire safety related costs in the building they developed.

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This came as welcome news to Richard Low-Foon, whose elderly father lives in the building.

"It's a big relief for everyone and we were all quite emotional when we heard the news," he told the Croydon Guardian.

"Everyone from single parents to the elderly were living in those blocks and it was quite a burden placed on us when we were told we may have to pay the costs.

"It was unjust, but with this decision we can finally get on with our lives."

Barratt Developments have said it will cover future and backdated costs relating to employing a fire warden and the removal and replacement of unsafe cladding from this building.

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Although no time-frame has been established as to when the work would commence to remove the cladding, Mr Low-Foon hoped this would set a precedent.

"I hope Barratt gets this cladding put right once and for all so we can live knowing we're not on a timebomb," he said.

"I hope this sets a precedent for the 200-odd other blocks in the country that are still affected by the cladding problem."

A Barratt Spokesman hoped owners would now have peace of mind.

“Following the recent ruling that the costs for necessary recladding at Citiscape will fall on the individual apartment owners, many of whom were originally Barratt customers when it was built in 2002, we have decided that we will pay for the work,” he said.

“Citiscape was built in line with all building regulations in place at the time of construction.

"While we don’t own the building or have any liability for the cladding, we are committed to putting our customers first. 

"The important thing now is ensuring that owners and residents have peace of mind.”

Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government Sajid Javid applauded Barratt Developments' decision to cover the costs.

"They have listened to the concerns of Citiscape residents, engaged with government and have done the right thing," he said.

"Other building owners and house builders in the private sector should follow the example set by Barratt Developments to protect leaseholders from costs and begin essential fire safety works.

"I want to see all leaseholders in this position get the peace of mind they deserve and I am keeping this under review."