Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Surtees Management Company and Surtees Property Investments are pursuing an estimated £9.6m remediation claim against Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick Ltd (BBK) over alleged external-wall defects at The Green student accommodation scheme in Bradford. They are also seeking a separate building liability order against Balfour Beatty plc. Construction News reported on 25 August 2026 that proceedings were ongoing; the allegations and cost estimate are not a court finding or an agreed remediation bill.
What is the claim about?
The Green is a nine-block student accommodation development in Bradford, reported to contain 1,026 bedrooms across 34 townhouses and 104 flats and to house University of Bradford students. Surtees says investigations into the external walls identified problems with cavity barriers—components intended to restrict fire and smoke from spreading unseen through cavities in a building’s walls.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The claimants allege that defects in parts of the wall systems could leave routes for fire to spread. Construction News described the claim as being brought against BBK, with a separate application against its parent company, Balfour Beatty plc.
What fire-safety defects are alleged?
The scheme reportedly has three types of external-wall system, using aluminium, Rockpanel and masonry. Surtees alleges that investigations after the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire found cavity barriers that were:
#1 Best Overall
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
- Missing or positioned incorrectly.
- Leaving gaps or too small for the cavity they were meant to close.
- Not installed under compression where required, or arranged in a way that could impede an intumescent strip’s expansion.
- Used with timber-batten arrangements that could allow fire to bypass the barriers.
Surtees also alleges that some barriers used a proprietary Astroflame product without supporting test evidence for this external-wall application. The report does not establish whether the product was suitable or unsuitable for The Green; that point is part of the claimants’ case.
Surtees says the alleged defects mean the building did not comply with Building Regulations and Approved Document B guidance. It argues that ineffective barriers could permit fire to spread within the external walls without being immediately visible. These are pleaded allegations, not findings stated in the report or independently verified engineering conclusions.
Rank #2
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
What do the parties say about the fire-risk argument?
In legal materials quoted by Construction News, Surtees said: “No adequate cavity barriers were provided in the inspected areas which would properly close the cavities in the event of a fire.” It also said: “There remains a serious risk that the student occupiers of the property would not be able to safely evacuate the property in the event of a fire.” Those statements represent the claimants’ position, not a reported judicial finding.
The report says BBK maintained that the functional requirements had been met, relying on an analysis in which occupants would evacuate and move away before flashover. Surtees disputes that analysis, arguing that it considered a fire starting inside the building but not an external fire. The report gives these as opposing positions; it does not record a court ruling on the technical dispute.
Rank #3
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
How do the claim and building liability order application differ?
The remediation claim is against BBK. Surtees alleges breaches of contractual and statutory duties, including duties under the Defective Premises Act, and says BBK and GB Building Solutions were jointly and severally liable under the building contract.
The application for a building liability order is a separate legal route through which Surtees seeks to make Balfour Beatty plc liable in connection with the claim against BBK. The report says Surtees cites BBK’s dormant status as one reason for seeking the order. It does not say that an order has been granted; the company is facing an application, not a reported finding of liability.
Rank #4
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
How was the scheme built, and when were concerns raised?
- 2010: Lister Hills SSV Ltd appointed BBK and GB Building Solutions to construct the scheme.
- October 2011: Construction was completed.
- 3 June 2013: BBK provided Surtees Management Company with a collateral warranty, according to the report.
- After the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire: Investigations at The Green reportedly identified cavity-barrier issues.
- May 2023: Surtees says it first notified BBK of some defects.
- June 2024: BBK attended investigation and opening-up works, according to Surtees’ account.
The report says GB Building Solutions entered administration in March 2015 and was dissolved in June 2022. It also says Lister Hills SSV Ltd was dissolved in October 2021, citing company filings.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Is the £9.6m remediation bill agreed?
No. The approximately £9.6m figure is the claimants’ estimate of remedial works, not an agreed contract price, a confirmed final cost or a court award. Construction News reported that invitations to tender were being prepared and no remediation contract had been agreed. Surtees also said it had incurred about £41,000 in investigation and access costs; this, too, is a claimant-reported figure rather than a judgment or confirmed final spend.
Best Value
- Milwaukee Ink all Fine Point Marker, Black, 4 Per Pack
- 4 per pack Features Clog Resistant Marker Tip Writes through Dusty, Wet and Oily Surfaces Durable Marker Tip for Writing on Concrete, OSB and Rough Surfaces
- Clog resistant tip writes on dusty, wet and oily surfaces and is optimized for rough surfaces such as OSB, cinderblock and concrete
- Hard hat clip- attaches for easy access
- Quick dry time with reduced smearing and marking
Has the case been decided?
Construction News reported on 25 August 2026 that proceedings were ongoing. Balfour Beatty said it could not comment further while the legal proceedings continued. No later outcome or procedural update is established here, so the reported status should not be taken as confirmation of the case’s position after that date.
A Balfour Beatty spokesperson told Construction News: “As a responsible contractor, we take these matters seriously and are committed to working with Surtees Management Company to reach an appropriate outcome.” The spokesperson added: “However, as legal proceedings are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.”
Quick Recap
Source: Construction News, 25 August 2026.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems
