Is using scaffolding for another use that of to spy on our private balconies is that legal?

[BeeSophie]

Hi.... I'm looking for some advice or direction please. A landlord that acts for one of the London borough councils has erected scaffolding for a double glazing project on our 10 storey building. In the last few days residents have received letters from the landlord telling them to clear their balconies. There is no other way this landlord would have known about the contents of these balconies without using the scaffolding to look into their private properties from public view as the have frosted glass and the scaffolding has mesh netting around it.

We believe this is an intrusion of privacy. Would we be right?

Many thanks in advance for any responses.

S x

Would the assumption be that there are things on the balcony? Rather than going to check each one.

They're surely sending a standard letter before they attempt to get on to the balcony to do the work. They wouldn't want to arrive to do the work and find they can't get to the windows.

Won’t you need to clear your balconies to allow access to the windows? That’s probably why they’ve asked. Unless the letter actually lists what’s on your balcony there’s no reason to think they’re spying on you.

What?!

They are working on the windows and are asking all residents to clear the balconies... so the workman can work unhindered, safely, without breaking anything.

Dear god! How did you get to the thought they were spying on you?

Were residents previously asked to clear them? They could have surveyed by drone instead.

sounds like a standard request in preparation of the work imo.

If the schedule includes work on the balcony's it would be basic H&S to oblige the occupiers to provide a safe work area.
The fitters dont get paid to move furniture and they dont want people claiming they caused damage to property left on a balcony.

Your being compleltly ridiculous any job will have method statement sand risk assessment .
Clear balcony would be on this it's common sense .

Once a workman jumped off the scaffolding around our apartment block into my bedroom. He then got stuck and couldn't get back out. That was a breach of privacy. This is not.

Sounds fine to me. Standard to ask residents to clear balconies. The window fitters wouldn't be able to work otherwise.

It’s just like when they send letters round asking you to clear the road on x date because they are resurfacing. They’re not spying on you, and most people have things on their balconies , that’s what they’re for!

No you would be wrong - and also a bit bonkers!

I’d assume you need to empty your balconies to let them access the windows? Both so nothing is damaged and they can work? Unless you have written in your contract “balconies to remain empty at all times”?

Seriously?

Why in the heck would they want to spy?
They just need clear access to work

You have been asked to clear the balconies so work can commence. Why would the landlord want to spy on your balconies ? It makes no sense.