A long-running row over a derelict apartment block has reignited after fresh safety concerns prompted renewed calls for its complete demolition.
Cllr Dermot McGeough has urged authorities to take decisive action over the structure in Westward Ho!, saying residents and visitors “deserve so much more” after years of concerns about the site.
The councillor said he attended the site at the end of May with members of the public and estates officers from Devon County Council in an effort to address anti-social behaviour and wider concerns about the condition of the building.
His comments came after Devon County Council removed old hoarding around part of the site, which he said had previously been secured in place by Torridge District Council.
Cllr McGeough said he is awaiting a multi-agency meeting and is pressing Torridge District Council to remove the structure entirely.
He added that the site could potentially be used for additional parking for the village if the building was demolished.
Correspondence shared by the councillor highlighted concerns about the condition of hoarding facing Nelson Road.
According to the email, the barrier appeared to be prevented from falling onto the footway and highway only by rope attached to one of the apartments.
The correspondence stated: “If this rope was cut or failed – then there is a significant risk that the hoarding would fall onto the footway and highway and this could cause serious injury or worse.”
The author of the email said the boarding should be urgently demolished and replaced with a new barrier, potentially using temporary fencing.
The correspondence added that Devon County Council understood Torridge District Council had responsibility for public safety issues relating to the site and sought clarification on whether urgent action would be taken.
The email also called for a multi-agency meeting involving Torridge District Council, the town council, Devon County Council, police and fire services to discuss how issues at the site could be addressed.
Documents shared by Cllr McGeough also referred to powers available to local authorities under Section 78 of the Building Act 1984 in relation to dangerous buildings.
The correspondence stated that if the relevant criteria were met, Torridge District Council could have powers to demolish the structure and recover associated costs.
Additional planning powers and provisions under Section 215 notices were also outlined as possible mechanisms for requiring improvements to sites considered untidy or detrimental to local amenity.
No decision has been announced regarding the future of the building.
