Hull City Council is warning property owners in the city that it is prepared to take tough action against them if buildings are allowed to fall into poor condition.
This was demonstrated by a Section 215 notice issued by the council to a freeholder that should act as a deterrent to other building owners to ensure their properties are well-maintained.
The notice was served to the owners of the ‘Westobys’ building – London-based Arthur Westoby & Co. Limited – at 124 Boulevard.
The property was vacated less than four years ago but has been left to deteriorate and it is now considered to have a detrimental effect on the building’s character, local amenity and conservation area as a whole.
The building has vegetation growth and rotting fabric and is now impacting an adjoining residential building through damp.
The council’s planning enforcement department served the notice on the freeholder on 25 October and it has now taken full effect since the 14-day appeal period has surpassed without action.
The freeholder was aware of the department’s investigation and has taken no action as requested.
The council has requested the removal of all the vegetation from the façade and gutters, removal of waste materials and general rubbish and necessary and appropriate repairs to windows, gutters, fascia detail, dental blocks and paintwork.
The freeholder has two months, from 8 November, to comply with the notice.
Should the steps required by the notice not be undertaken the council will not hesitate to take further action, which could result in a conviction and fine for the property owner.
Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration and housing, said: “This notice shows that the council is taking a zero-tolerance approach when it comes to the care and upkeep of our city’s buildings.
“The council is committed to ensuring that Hull’s buildings and conservation areas foster a pride of place and state of 124 Boulevard is unacceptable.
“We hope that this notice will encourage land and building owners to maintain their assets and have the same pride in our city as we do.”
