Safety concerns were raised about the popular seafront building on June 21, 2025, after a falling tile from the property narrowly missed a passer-by.
Temporary barriers and overhead protection were installed following the incident until scaffolding, funded by Windsor Court residents, was erected on July 8, 2025.
More than a year later, the scaffolding remains in place, while a final decision on how the building will be repaired has yet to be made.
Residents continue to pay for the scaffolding while awaiting a final repair scheme and are also expected to contribute towards the cost of the permanent works, previously estimated at around £50,000 per flat.
Windsor Court comprises 20 flats, and residents say the average age of the leaseholders is over 65. Several described the prolonged repair process as a source of frustration and financial uncertainty.
One resident said he and his neighbours felt they had been left “caught in the middle” while waiting for a decision.
Another resident said: “It’s been far too long and still no end in sight, and that’s concerning for everyone. It’s costing a lot of money and we don’t know how much. There’s all sorts of figures being bandied around, but it’s going to be a lot.
“We’ve all got other things we’d prefer to spend our money on rather than scaffolding and the fabric of the building. The sooner it’s done the better.”
For some, the scaffolding has also affected day-to-day life.
One first-floor resident said the scaffolding and protective netting “does affect” her view of Penarth Pier and the promenade, adding that: “It’s been like that for a long time and I don’t know when they’re going to see to it.”
Neil Gregory, of Western Permanent Property, which manages Windsor Court on behalf of the leaseholders, shared with the Penarth Times that further analysis of the building has identified several possible repair options.
He said: “The options available are replacement of the tiles like for like, that a render finish be introduced, cladding installed or the possibility of removing the tiles to leave the original brick finish. There are pros and cons of all possibilities.”
Mr Gregory further commented that planners are being consulted by the project managers before a meeting is held with residents, the freeholder’s representative and the project team to discuss the preferred option.
However, there is currently no confirmed date for that meeting, and residents are still awaiting details of the final repair costs they will be expected to contribute towards.
