Concerns have been raised by Eastcott residents and a local Councillor, Paul Dixon, regarding the demolition of the old Clifton Street School. Despite no planning permission being given, the developer of the building is currently undergoing the demolition of some or all of the historic building.
To date the only planning permission given for the site is for the conversion of the offices in the building in to 17 flats, however there has been no statement of intent to demolish any or all of the building.
Eastcott Councillor, Paul Dixon said,“A resident got in touch with me and the other Eastcott Councillors late last week concerning the potential demolition of the old Clifton Street School. There is no planning approval for such a demolition and given the building is a piece of local heritage, it would be terrible for it to be lost without even needing planning permission. At the moment the only permission that has been given for this building is the conversion of the offices in the building in to flats.
Since getting in touch with planning enforcement officers at the Council they have told me that they are currently of the opinion that planning permission is required to demolish the building but they will have to liaise with the Council’s Building Control Team after claims of building instability.
I hope the confusion and concern over the demolition of the building can now be concluded and this important community heritage asset can be retained”.
I’ve just read that article, and it’s hilarious. It says at the end that the Planning Enforcement Officer says they need planning permission, but then says he would have to consult with the Council’s Building Control Team. The expression Left and right hand etc came to mind. Then Paul Dixon says “I hope this confusion can be concluded” while at the same time… there’s proof that it’s already being demolished…. permission or not. Je je je . I would list at least three wastes of spaces there… Paul Dixon, the Planning Enforcement Officer and the Building control Team. And the contractors have found and used a loophole.
You will find the contractors did indeed have a Section 81 permission from the council, signed by J T Bishop, Principal Building Control Surveyor