Holmfirth landlord could be fined £1000-a-day until derelict shop is smartened up

Sep 2 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A LANDLORD whose derelict shop has blighted a village high street for years could be fined £1,000 a day unless he repairs it.

The crumbling Basics shop on Victoria Street in the heart of Holmfirth used to sell food and supplies but has been vacant for almost six years.

Since then the woodwork has rotted, the pipes have cracked and weeds have started growing in the roof.

A section 215 notice, which forces a landlord to carry out repairs to a property, was served three months ago on Basics owner Peter Hobson.

But despite making a few repairs the shop is still considered to be a blot on the village shopping street.

Councils may serve a 215 notice if a property has a negative impact on the surrounding area.

The notice gives the landlord a period in which to make improvements.

A landlord can by fined up to £1,000 a day by magistrates until satisfactory work is completed.

Alternatively, a council may repair the property and bill the landlord for the costs.

Kirklees Council last week announced it would be starting legal action this month to force Mr Hobson to comply with the notice.

Holme Valley South councillor Donald Firth says he has been fighting to have the shop repaired for years.

Clr Firth said: “It’s not only a blot on the landscape – there’s wildlife growing in it. I’m absolutely sick of looking at it.