Apartment owners in Manchester will not be required to pay for replacing the dangerous cladding on their buildings, it has been confirmed.

Two blocks in the city’s Green Quarter failed safety checks last year after they were found to have cladding similar to that which was used on Grenfell Tower.

Initially, leaseholders were told it would be their responsibility to pay for removing the flammable cladding.

However, a letter from the investors Pemberstones has confirmed that leaseholders will not have to pay. The apartment owners have also been refunded all payments to date.

Suzanne Richards, executive member for housing and regeneration for Manchester City Council, said she was ‘delighted’ at the news.

‘The council has been clear throughout that residents should not be landed with the bill for replacing unsafe cladding,’ she said.

‘We know from our many meetings with residents that this long and complex process has been extremely stressful for those involved.

‘It has taken a lot of work by many people, especially the residents themselves, to reach this point.

‘I am glad we were able to broker talks between Lendlease, Pemberstone, other parties and the residents.

‘I would like to thank Lendlease and Pemberstone for engaging with these discussions and ultimately doing the right thing. They have set an example, in not passing on these costs, which I hope the rest of the industry will follow.’