Council removes eyesore hoardings erected by developer

Rossendale Council has stepped in to remove dilapidated advertising hoardings from a conservation area in Rawtenstall.

It appointed a contractor to demolish the hoardings and four flagpoles at Holly Mount House in Rawtenstall.

They were erected by developer Westby Homes when it converted the Grade II Listed building in St Mary’s Way into apartments. But they had become badly dilapidated, raising health and safety concerns.

The council issued a section 125 notice in June requiring Westby to remove the hoardings and flagpoles because they were adversely affecting the area. But the council has now undertaken the work after Westby, which has gone into liquidation, said it would not comply with the notice.

Councillor Christine Lamb, Rossendale Council’s portfolio holder for regulatory services, said:

These hoardings had deteriorated to such a state that they had become an eyesore which is clearly not acceptable. We also had concerns about how safe they were.

People have been commenting on how much better the area looks now – it’s made a real difference.

Rossendale Council will apply to have the cost of the work reimbursed from the liquidator.

It is also in talks with residents and the management agent of their properties about a separate enforcement order served on Westby last October. This required the company to erect a stone boundary wall and metal entrance gates, together with associated landscaping, as stipulated in the original planning consent.”