The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “J”) has been produced for the Bradford West Area Committee to describe the condition of the buildings known as Lund Humphreys and Unit 71 on Priestman Street, Bradford and what actions can be taken to address the deteriorating condition of the buildings.

Recommended –

That the council resolves to underwrite the costs and liabilities of carrying out works in default of notice to remedy the condition of the ruinous and dilapidated buildings on Priestman Street subject to the risks in recovering such expenditure.

(Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee)

(Justin Booth – 01274 434716)

The report of the Strategic Director, Place (Document “J”) had been produced for the Bradford West Area Committee to describe the condition of the buildings known as Lund Humphreys and Unit 71 on Priestman Street, Bradford and what actions could be taken to address the deteriorating condition of the buildings.

The Principal Building Control Surveyor was in attendance and gave a synopsis of the report.

A question and answer session ensued:

·         Why had Council made promises to residents that it would take the appropriate action to address the issue surrounding this building but eventually failing to take necessary steps in delivering its promise?

o   It was possible for the Council to claim back the reasonable costs incurred in demolishing a building and removing the materials from site. However, if the owner decided not to reimburse the Council it was possible to make a charge on the land under Section 107, Building Act.  Until the land was sold, the Council may not be compensated for the costs it would incur and, further, the value of the land could be less than the sums expended in the demolition process;

·         What would be the cost of demolition?

o   The cost of demolition and clearance was estimated to the region of £350,000, however this cost could accelerate significantly if materials such as asbestos were found to be present to an increased cost of an additional £50,000;

·         Had the Council discussed issues of the site with the owner? There had been on going discussions over 3 years but no resolution had yet been agreed;

o   What were the health risks of such toxic materials in the building? If materials were released through some form of disturbance then there was the possibility of health risks but the asbestos, if any, was closed inside the building; and,

·         This was a long standing issue with health risks therefore on what grounds was the Council not able to take control and move forward in taking the required action?;

o   The costs in demolition were significant and there was a lack of budget for the Council to move forward.

The Committee then commented on the fact that no mature resident walked pass the building because of being conscious of the dangers yet children played near to the derelict building on a daily basis without the awareness of the health risks. The community was also aware that this building was a haven for drug dealers to store illegal substances. Furthermore, this derelict building was an eyesore and ruined the surrounding community.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Council resolves to underwrite the costs and liabilities of carrying out works in default of notice to remedy the condition of the ruinous and dilapidated buildings on Priestman Street subject to the risks in recovering such expenditure.

(2)       That the Bradford West Area Co-ordinator arranges a meeting between the Chair of the Bradford West Area Committee, Manningham  Ward Councillors and the Strategic Director Place to discuss the dilapidated buildings on Priestman Street.

ACTION: Strategic Director, Place