Why 15 year wait over eyesore derelict premises is 'a joke'
TRADERS in Sherwood are calling for a derelict former pizza restaurant to be brought back into use.
The premises are thought to have been vacant for 15 years – but they haven't been sold because the owner has returned to live abroad.
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Derelict premises: The shop that has been empty for 15 years on the corner of Marshall Street and Mansfield Road, Sherwood. Pictured below in 2004.Picture: Dustin Michailovs NODM20100903A-012_C
In the past, the shop has been broken into, used as a drinking den and by squatters and drug addicts.
Steve Reddish, of nearby Choice Custom Curtains, said: "It has been a disgusting state and there have been fires and all sorts.
"It's unreal that it's our money the council is spending and they can't seem to sort something out after 15 years. It's a bit of a joke.
"It has caused vandalism, but the main thing is the look on Mansfield Road. It's in a prominent corner position. It could quite easily pull in £10,000 in rent."
Sherwood Traders' Association previously pressed the council to do something about the premises, previously Darvoods Pizza Pantry, but the association has since disbanded.
Mr Reddish, who was a member, said traders became disillusioned because nothing was done.
The shop is thought to have cost Nottingham City Council thousands in unpaid business rates.
In 2005, the council attempted to force a sale of the premises in the absence of the owner, in what would have been a landmark case.
The sale was expected to fetch more than £100,000 and the money owed to the council would have been taken from this. The remainder would have been kept in case the owner returned.
At the time, the council said recovering the building with a housing compulsory order had not been possible because the upper floor did not appear to have been used for housing.
Mr Reddish said: "There must be laws in place. If the council want to compulsorily purchase a property to put a tram through, surely they can compulsory purchase a property to improve it. It's insignificant to them in Sherwood.
"If the council want to do something they can do it. Why can't they just take over the property and if the person comes back charge them?"
Councillor Alan Clark, portfolio holder for neighbourhood regeneration, said: "The council has had involvement with the property over a number of years and has taken enforcement action to deal with property conditions, which did include carrying out works and encouraging the property sale.
"The property sale was not successful and we have continued to encourage the owner to bring the property back into occupation or sell, but at present we are not able to require this.
"We have recently visited the property to see what can be done in relation to the appearance and condition, and will take any appropriate action to resolve these conditions".
4 Comments
by Simon Ellis, Nottingham
Monday, September 06 2010, 2:40PM
“If the city council has had to incur expenditure to make this building safe then they are entitled to recover all those costs from the owner. If the owner is now abroad and either unable or unwilling to pay the debt then the council should apply to the court for a possession order. If that order is issued the property can be sold for fair value at auction.”
by Tom., Ex Sherwood Resident
Monday, September 06 2010, 2:23PM
“Grew up in Sherwood in 80's early 90's. Seemed to take a dive in the mid 90's as mindless crime increased, usually under the influence. Although from about 95-2005 most of the shop window smashing, fire-bombing and assaults seemed to be carried out by people who weren't actually living in Sherwood. It seemed to be a good place to come, drink, cause havoc and return home.
Having visited again a few time this year it certainly feels like there's a rougher element and the place is looking quite run down.”
by billy, sherwood
Monday, September 06 2010, 12:28PM
“The local councillors, especially Brian Parbutt, dont care about Sherwood at all...they are just interested in looking after their Labour cronies and there arty projects..I agree, as a long term resident of the area it is going down fast-about time for some new councillors at the next elections I think"”
by Poopipe, Dustbin
Monday, September 06 2010, 11:18AM
“Sherwood has gone downhill since the eighties, the place is now full of ex St. Anns and Radford rejects, bringing the whole town down to their level.”