Newham · housing and retrofit
Newham’s older housing includes the Woodgrange Estate in Forest Gate, built between 1877 and 1892 by the Corbett family, much of which is now a conservation area. The borough also has extensive post-war housing.
Newham was the site of Ronan Point in Canning Town, a large-panel system tower that partially collapsed after a gas explosion in 1968. The disaster led to new rules on disproportionate collapse that still shape how buildings are designed.
Property types
Common local property types in Newham
- Victorian terraced houses
- Flats in converted houses
- Post-war estates and tower blocks
- New-build apartments
Local considerations
What tends to shape retrofit here
- Large-panel system blocks need structural and fire checks before any external wall insulation
- Panel joints are thermal bridges where condensation risk should be checked
- Victorian terraces usually have solid walls and suspended timber floors
- Newham lists nine conservation areas, including Woodgrange Estate, with Article 4 directions in some
Conservation area rules, Article 4 directions and listed building controls are set by Newham Council and can change. Check the current position before finalising external changes: Newham conservation areas and listed buildings.
Making an enquiry
Making an enquiry from Newham
- Tell us the building type and age
- For flats in blocks, tell us who manages the building
- Mention any damp or condensation problems
Services available
Services available in Newham
- Retrofit Assessment – an on-site survey of how the home is built, heated, ventilated and used – the starting point for a retrofit plan.
- fRsi Calculations – fRsi is a temperature factor. We model a junction to check its inside surface stays warm enough to avoid condensation and mould.
- Retrofit Coordination – one accountable role that plans the improvements in order and manages risks such as damp and poor ventilation.
- Airtightness Testing – a fan pressure test that measures how much air leaks through the house, before or after works.
- All services