Ventilation Scheme

Wandsworth Council, who own the freehold of Goulden House, has made the difficult decision to phase out the aging communal ventilation system at Goulden House. After expert consultation and building inspections, it’s become clear that the existing system—installed over 50 years ago—is inaccessible, increasingly ineffective, and poses fire safety risks due to its poor design and inability to be cleaned.

What’s Changing?

The current communal ducts and roof fans will be decommissioned.
Every flat will receive its own individual ventilation system, tailored to its unique layout.
A pilot retrofit in a empty property has already proven successful.

How Will This Be Done?

Council will tender the work to five contractors, and residents will be consulted.
Leaseholders may choose to use the Council contractor or hire their own, and won’t be charged for others’ work if they opt out.
If opting-out, understand that you will still be charged for costs associated with the decommissioning of the existing communal system (Communal Block Works), and that access will still be required to your property as part of this phase of works. (Please ignore if opting-in).
If opting-out, understand that as a leaseholder you will still be required to install an individual ventilation system to your property to the required specification, employing and paying a contractor independently of the Council’s scheme. (Please ignore if opting-in).

April 2026 – Ballot Form update – extract from letter linked below:

Following on from the Notice of Intention letter dated on 9th July 2025 regarding the above works, please see the enclosed ballot form which must be completed and returned by 14th May 2026. All leaseholders must complete and return the ballot.

Opting In & Out/Ballot Form Update – 6 Aug 2025

“In regards to the ballot that has been sent to all Goulden House leaseholders, it should be clarified that at this initial Notice of Intention stage the choice to either opt in/out is not binding in any form. At this early phase, the intention of the council is to gain an understanding of how many leaseholders are likely to decide either way to opt-into the council’s scheme or elect to undertake works privately. Furthermore, this consultation phase also provides an opportunity for the council to gain useful feedback from residents on the format of the ballot itself. At the second stage of consultation following receipt of tender returns, the council will again write to leaseholders to clarify the position with new ballot forms also issued. It is at this point that any signed ballot forms can be considered binding and an agreement for the council to carry out works within a leasehold property. However, following this stage if a leaseholder that has opted-in decides that they would prefer to arrange the work independently they are still able to do so by notifying the council”.