Council fends off Court of Appeal bid to halt demolition of eyesore

A local authority has successfully fought off a property company’s bid in the Court of Appeal to block the demolition of chemical giant ICI’s former headquarters.

Stockton Council took action after Billingham House, which was built in the 1950s, became an eyesore.

The building’s owner, Bizzy B Management, sought to prevent demolition but lost in the High Court in August 2011 and in the Court of Appeal this month. 

Bizzy B argued that Stockton’s decision was irrational and had also breached its human rights to enjoy its property.

These submissions were rejected by Lord Justice Mummery, Lord Justice Hooper and Lord Justice Pitchford.

The council was given an initial award of costs, with a final figure to be determined at a later date.

Cllr Mike Smith, Stockton’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “We have fought for a long time on behalf of local residents to clear Billingham House from the landscape.  They should never have had to endure the nightmare of having this derelict shell on their doorsteps for all these years.

“I very much hope this will be the beginning of the end for Billingham House and we expect our contractors to resume their work within the next few weeks. It is a long time since this was the proud Teesside headquarters to an internationally-renowned company and I look forward to the day when the site can be redeveloped to the benefit of the local community.”