Demolition Notice Served on Empty Property

December 9, 2016 by Southend Borough Council

A demolition notice has been served on a derelict property that has become a magnet for anti-social behaviour.

The buildings, at 215 and 215A North Road, were previously used as mix between commercial premises and housing, but since falling empty and into disrepair over ten years ago, have been the subject of numerous complaints and antisocial behaviour.

This is the first time that the Council’s Private Sector Housing team has had to take such action, using the Housing Act 2004.

Mark Flewitt, Executive Cllr for Housing, Planning and Regulatory Services, says: “This site has been derelict, a blight on the local community and a source of problems for too long. After exhausting all other options, we feel we have no other choice but to serve a demolition notice.

“The owners have the right to appeal and the order itself will not come into effect until the New Year. The owner will then have a set period of time in which to ensure that the properties are demolished. Should this not be complied with then the Council will demolish the building and recover its own costs.”

Although the owners are located overseas, they are represented locally.