Council takes action to demolish run-down property

Published: Thursday, 11th July 2024

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is taking action to stop a vacant residential property falling further into disrepair.

The council had previously purchased the end terrace property, which was in poor condition, as part of a regeneration scheme with the intention of refurbishing it.

The long-term empty property has since become surplus to requirements and the decision was recently taken to dispose of it on the open market.

In preparation for that, a structural survey found that a significant amount of work is needed to fix the roof which will make renovation of the property impractical.

The council is now considering demolishing the property to prevent it becoming unstable and a risk to the public.

Fencing is being installed around the property this week, and a footpath and two sections of the road on Denbigh Street and Chelwood Street will be closed in anticipation of the work being carried out in the coming months.

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “This property has been in the council’s possession since 2017. It has been empty for a considerable amount of time and has become an attraction for anti-social behaviour.

“The building does not pose an immediate risk to the public at the moment, but if we don’t take action now then it is likely to deteriorate further and start to cause more problems in the future.

“We expect that people living nearby will experience minimum disruption but we have written to residents and will keep them updated on the situation as it progresses.”

For more information about the work, residents can call 01782 232087.