DOE issues a notice to approve demolition of Hamilton Factory in Derry
Published on Fri, 13 Jan 2012
The Department of Environment has advised Derry City Council of their opinion to approve the demolition of the former Hamilton factory at John Street in Derry.
The building is not listed but is in a conservation area. Once Derry City Council endorses the notice to approve, a decision notice permitting the demolition will issue immediately.
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said: “No-one likes to see an old building, especially one which was part of the fabric and rich heritage of Derry go. But we have no real choice here. While I recognise that this is a building in a conservation area, the safety of the public and the ability of the public to go about their business is paramount. I therefore endorse this decision on health and safety grounds. But we must act quickly now to protect the welfare and safety of people and remain highly vigilant on this to ensure that happens. I have been actively monitoring this situation over the last few days. DOE Planning has acted quickly and decisively, now the landowner and Derry City Council must act likewise to ensure demolition occurs quickly.”
Notes to editors:
1. An opinion to refuse the application to demolish was presented to Derry City Council (DCC) planning committee by DOE on 4th October 2011. This was because the applicant did not meet planning regulations of having a proposal to redevelop the site. The council deferred the application to facilitate an office meeting which took place on 20th October 2011. Additional information and a subsequent structural report were presented to the Department for consideration.
2. The Department were advised in writing on 6th January 2012 that an internal wall had collapsed resulting in the destabilisation of the building. The letter was accompanied by a structural engineer's report confirming the dangerous state of the building and recommending its demolition in the interests of public safety.
3. At the request of the Department, Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) carried out an urgent inspection of the building in association with an engineer from DCC on 11th January. CPD immediately confirmed the dangerous state of the building and recommended that it should be removed at the earliest opportunity.
4. The Department has now written to DCC and to the three objectors opposing demolition advising them that an opinion to approve the demolition will be presented to DCC at the earliest opportunity.
5. For media queries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
2. The Department were advised in writing on 6th January 2012 that an internal wall had collapsed resulting in the destabilisation of the building. The letter was accompanied by a structural engineer's report confirming the dangerous state of the building and recommending its demolition in the interests of public safety.
3. At the request of the Department, Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) carried out an urgent inspection of the building in association with an engineer from DCC on 11th January. CPD immediately confirmed the dangerous state of the building and recommended that it should be removed at the earliest opportunity.
4. The Department has now written to DCC and to the three objectors opposing demolition advising them that an opinion to approve the demolition will be presented to DCC at the earliest opportunity.
5. For media queries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9025 6058. Out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
