Council makes fresh High Court application for demolition of building following “lack of compliance” from site owner

North Northamptonshire Council has applied to the High Court for the rights to access a site to carry out the demolition of what it claims is an “unsafe” building.

The building, in Job's Yard, Kettering, was the subject of a demolition order last year, following a three-day trial at Birmingham High Court.

However, the council claimed the Director of Michigan Construction Limited (MCL) has since refused to allow council officers and their agents on site to undertake demolition works.

According to the BBC, Judge Sarah Watson had found that the company was in breach of planning conditions and building regulations.

She made an order compelling the developer to arrange for a specialist contractor to demolish the building as soon as practicable and before the end of February this year.

The council described its latest application to the High Court as a “last resort”, noting that it is currently awaiting a hearing date.

A council spokesperson said: “North Northamptonshire Council has applied to the High Court for the rights to access the site for the purposes of carrying out the demolition and associated works and that the owner shall not obstruct the work in any way. […] The injunction proceedings sought should give the council the required authority to address future obstruction/non-compliance by the owner.

“This action to apply to the High Court was always a last resort and we have no other option, given the lack of compliance by the site owner.

“The demolition of the unsafe building at Jobs Yard remains a priority for the council and the cordon will be removed when the building has been safely demolished.”

Michigan Construction Limited has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson