Two Dorset Council homes on Portland to be knocked down
They're said to be in a dangerous condition, next to a footpath
Two Dorset Council-owned homes in Fortuneswell, Portland are to be demolished.
The adjacent properties in the High Street are said to be in a dangerous condition, one adjacent to a public footpath.
There has been scaffolding on one of the buildings since 2018.
One was bought by the council using a compulsory purchase order, the authority later buying the next-door property as well, with a view to redeveloping the site although that was later ruled out as being un-economic.
At times, at least one of the buildings has been occupied by homeless people with neither the police, or council staff, prepared to enter because of the danger of collapse.
A clear crack, which is expanding, can be seen on one side of one of the pair of buildings.
Once the site has been demolished it is likely to go to the Portland Land Trust who will seek to build new homes there.
Demolition is expected to take about six weeks to complete, starting from the roofs and working down, with a part road closure likely for at least some of that time.
Portland councillor Pete Roper said he welcomed the demolition of the eyesore buildings.
“These buildings are a well know eyesore on Portland, situated on a steep hill, derelict and wrapped in scaffolding, on the main thoroughfare for traffic leaving the island. The negative impact of the street scene outside these properties adds to the impression of neglect in this area,” he said.
Cllr Roper said it was hoped that four or five flats could be built on the site in a joint venture between the Land Trust and a housing association.
“This will have a significant impact on the provision of social housing on the island” he said.
Fellow Portland councillor Paul Kimber and Cllr Kate Wheller also welcomed the demolition.