A DEMOLITION notice has been served for the first time in the council’s history on a derelict property that has become a magnet for antisocial behaviour.

The buildings, at 215 and 215a North Road, Westcliff, were previously used as a mix between commercial premises and housing, but having fallen empty and into disrepair more than ten years ago, have been the subject of numerous complaints.

This is the first time that the council’s private sector housing team has had to take such action, using the Housing Act 2004.

The legislation enables authorities to serve demolition notices where areas are identified for regeneration and redevelopment. 

It helps to tackle the shortage of low cost housing in both rural and urban areas.

Mark Flewitt, councillor responsible 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.”

The site was originally earmarked for refurbishment and was even granted planning permission back in April 2014 but the owners have since failed to make progress and the buildings have now been condemned by the council.

Terry Platt, 66, who works at a butchers on North Road, said: “I have seen people drinking and hanging round the gates but I think you get that anywhere. 

“I don’t think knocking down the buildings will necessarily stop that from happening.

“They have started to try and make it really nice round here with some new flats and the new doctors’ surgery so I guess this will be a continuation of that.”

Although the owners are located overseas, they are represented locally and the agents did not respond to a request for comment.