Concerns raised in council as firm linked to unsafe Nova House plans new development just across the street

The cladding at Nova House, in Buckingham Gardens, Slough, failed fire tests in the wake of the Grenfell Tower blaze last year. The tower block is to be acquired by Slough Borough Council (SBC) in order to replace the cladding as quickly as possible.

However, one of the former sales managers for the original developers of Nova House, Aaron Emmett, has gone on to become the director of Click Properties (formerly Timeless Property Services). This company has recently put in a planning application for a new building just across from the controversial tower block. It is planned for the car park on the corner of Church Street and Herschel Street.

The plan was recently considered at a council planning meeting, but was deferred, meaning it may be re-considered in the future.

The plan is for a new nine-storey tower block, although the council elected not to approve it due to concerns about its size, stairwells, and lack of parking space.

It prompted the leader of the Tories, Cllr Wayne Strutton, to ask for greater scrutiny of the company at a meeting of the council’s cabinet on Monday.

Cllr Strutton said: “Can we keep a closer eye on the developers, and their development on the other side of the road?”

The leader of the council, Cllr James Swindlehurst, replied: “We will look at that, and ask some building regulations-type questions of them.”

During the meeting, Mike England, SBC’s interim director for place and development, confirmed the council was still pursuing ownership of Nova House. He said: “The council will need to get hold of the building in some shape or form eventually. We’ve looked at all the options, all of which are difficult. But the option that gives the most reassurance is to take over the property.”

“We have now gone ahead and told our lawyers to proceed with the acquisition.”

Click Properties could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.