The reinforced concrete frame for a luxury block of flats in Stoke Newington had to be torn down three storeys into the job when contractors realised it failed safety checks.

Hackney Gazette: The building demolished by Bellway, photo Alexis Bamforth.The building demolished by Bellway, photo Alexis Bamforth. (Image: Archant)

Hackney Council officers are now investigating allegations that the Bellway building is bigger than the footprint it received planning permission for to build 30 apartments in Salcombe Road, Stoke Newington, including three luxury penthouses on the fourth floor.

A spokeswoman for house builders, Bellway, refused to give details of the issue which led to the framework being demolished following a routine inspection from a structural engineer.

She said: “It was a minor technical issue which we identified, which, rather than correct, we determined that it was safer, quicker, and more economical for us to dismantle the frame.

“We worked with our contractors, Durkan and Carey, to ensure that this process was done in the best possible way, and erected scaffolding and protective sheeting as further measures to suppress dust.

“We have listened to the concerns of the local community and can again confirm that our development adheres to the planning permissions granted and that it is not bigger than the approved plans.”

Nearby residents, however, have complained about the dust, which they claim formed a thick layer in their homes and affected their breathing.

A spokesman for the Pellerin Road, Salcombe Road and Shelgrove Estate residents’ associations said: “Belway did not inform residents of their actions, but instead tried to hide the demolition behind plastic sheeting, only to find they were covering the surrounding area with thick clouds of lime and cement dust.”

Residents also complained contractors on the site have been working as late as 7.50pm, breaching the permitted site hours of 8am to 6pm weekdays.

But after receiving six complaints about noise from the site between January and August, a council officer issued a verbal warning.

A council spokesman said: “In response to ongoing allegations of work taking place outside the recommended hours, a notice has been served under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, formalising the hours of work.

“If the hours are exceeded, that will be deemed a breach of the notice and they may face prosecution from the council.”

A spokeswoman for Bellway insisted they were complying with the set hours.