PERMISSION has been granted to demolish a dangerous Kidderminster house, which was devastated by a fire.
Number 33 Eddy Road was seriously fire-damaged on June 9, 2024, in a blaze which saw several nearby homes evacuated.
The blaze also affected three neighbouring properties, including the attached semi-detached house, 20 Queen Street, which is now back in use as a home.
A planning application to demolish 33 Eddy Road was submitted back in November and has now been granted by Wyre Forest District Council.
Planning documents said the property was in a dangerous condition, with the intention being to demolish it down to the foundation level.
Planning officers assessing the application felt measures had been put in place to mitigate harm on neighbouring residents, highway safety, and impacts upon the natural environment.
No objections to the demolition were raised by any statutory consultees.
The aim is to have a new building in its place, including the replacement of the existing ground floor slab and foundations.
A rebuild would be subject to a separate planning application, as the full details necessary for the rebuild cannot safely be established prior to the demolition works.
Emergency services had a cordon in place on Eddy Road and part of Queen Street overnight following the fire in 2024, with commuters urged to avoid the area.
A Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said the fire started in a caravan and spread to other properties.
A number of nearby homes were evacuated, and those living nearby were encouraged to keep their doors and windows closed.
Nobody was injured as a result of the blaze.
The application to demolish the building was made by Community Housing Group Ltd, which owns the property.
The applications said they believed retaining the current property may be uneconomic given the extensive destruction of the building.
Planning documents state there is a risk of elements falling and progressive delay of the structure due to exposure to the weather.
The documents added: “Unauthorised access is also a possibility and there is no doubt the interior of the building is potentially dangerous to enter.
“Doing nothing is not considered to be a viable option.”
