Issue - meetings

Proposed Demolition: 254 Walderslade Road, Chatham

 

 

Meeting: 12/06/2012 - Cabinet (Item 10)

10 254 Walderslade Road, Chatham pdf icon PDF 215 KB

Minutes:

Background:

 

This report sought authority to demolish and clear the site at 254 Walderslade Road, Chatham, situated in Walderslade ward.

 

It was noted that 254 Walderslade Road Chatham was a privately owned derelict, empty property situated in the Walderslade ward. It has been subject to numerous complaints to the Council since 2004. The Private Sector Housing team had previously attempted to work with the owner to encourage its renovation but this failed and consequently an enforcement notice was served on the owner requiring him to either undertake improvement works or demolish the property. The owner failed to comply.

 

The options available to the council were noted and Members were advised that the Council had the statutory power to undertake the works specified in the enforcement notice and demand repayment of its costs from the owner. The report also sought authority to undertake an enforced sale, under section 103 Law of Property Act 1925, in order to recoup its costs if the owner did not repay the Council the cost of demolition.

 

An exempt appendix contained detailed legal advice and financial information regarding the proposals.

 

Decision number:

Decision:

93/2012

The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Regeneration, Community and Culture, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Housing and Community Services and Strategic Development and Economic Growth to take all necessary steps including: -

·           The demolition of 254 Walderslade Road in default of the notice served on the owner on 12 December 2010 under section 79 Building Act 1984, incurring all associated costs.

·           In the event of non-repayment of the Council’s costs in undertaking the demolition seek to place a charge against the property with the Land Registry and pursue an enforced sale using the power under section 99 Building Act 1984.

to ensure the property does not remain seriously detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood.

 

Reasons:

 

254 Walderslade Road is a long-term empty and derelict property that has been determined to be seriously detrimental to the amenities of the local neighbourhood. Despite considerable effort by Council officers over a number of years to encourage the owner to do something positive with the property it is still in a ruinous and dilapidated condition. The owner has failed to respond to a notice served under s79 Building Act 1984 requiring works to be carried out at the property and the Council now has the power under s99 of the Building Act 1984 to undertake works in default of the enforcement notice.

Demolishing the property will remove a building that is seriously detrimental to the amenities of the neighbourhood.