AN ‘unsafe’ listed building in Warminster town centre has been demolished.

The move came after legal action was taken against the owner of 3 High Street by Wiltshire Council over the “decline in its structural integrity and the dangerous state of its scaffolding”.

The council said the building had been a “long-standing safety concern” for the Building Control team.

In November 2023, the owner was served notice under Section 77 Building Act 1984, which required for the immediate dangers to be mitigated.

A subsequent court order from Swindon Magistrates Court ordered the owners to remove all the herbaceous growth from the front and side elevation; reinstate the plywood hoarding to the scaffold to prevent access to the scaffold and the building; remove all loose masonry from the front and side elevations; and ensure a structural assessment is undertaken by a specialist.

The scaffolding at 3 High Street before the building was demolished. Picture: Google

However, the owner instead elected to demolish the building, which has now happened.

Work to demolish listed buildings is allowed in ’emergency situations’, where ‘works are urgently required in the interests of public safety or the security of the building’.

Wiltshire Council said consent for the demolition was given due to the poor condition of the building and due to there being no further safe opportunity for temporary works, scaffolding, propping or shoring that could make it safe.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for development management and strategic planning, said: “I’d like to praise the Building Control officers involved in seeing this case through to its conclusion.

“It has been a very challenging, time-consuming case, with the building having been an ever-increasing concern since October 2014.”

Yet, Cllr Botterill acknowledged concerns the long-standing legal battle had, ultimately simply led to the demolition of a building that was protected.

“As our Business Plan states we have a duty to deliver professional building control services and enforce breaches of planning control in order to protect our residents,” he added.

“While we know it is disappointing for the local residents and councillors that ultimately the building has been demolished rather than restored, we had a duty to ensure that the site was made safe.”