A developer has denied claims by a housing association that there are structural faults at a landmark block of flats built just five years ago.

People living in Queen Mary Gate, off High Road in South Woodford, have complained of problems including a ceiling collapsing and widespread mould.

At a public meeting on Friday, a representative of housing association Circle 33, who refused to give her name, told residents there were “real issues” with the Blackberry Court block which should not be happening because they are new.

But developer Telford Homes said it found no structural issues during a recent investigation and blamed Circle 33 for failing to maintain the blocks.

Telford Homes group sales and marketing director, David Campbell, said: “Circle 33’s Blackberry Court, is a standalone block and does not form part of the wider Queen Mary’s Gate development.

“Whilst Telford Homes has no responsibility for the management of Circle 33’s property, following queries raised with us by several of their tenants, our customer service team investigated the matter and established there is no structural fault with the building.

"They have also advised Circle 33 on a number of occasions that relevant preventative maintenance measures were not being undertaken to the block in question, which is the source of the problems.

"Water ingress into the apartments is the result of a leaking rainwater pipe that we advised Circle 33 to repair some time ago, unfortunately these repairs still appear not to have been carried out.

"Poor management of any building will cause difficulties for residents and we sincerely hope Circle 33 will now undertake the outstanding works necessary to resolve resident issues.”

Circle 33 has been asked to respond to the claims.

It also refused to provide the names of its representatives who spoke at the public meeting with residents on Friday.