Pendle councillors have agreed to three courses of action to address the condition of a dilapidated Earby house.
Councillors on Pendle Council’s West Craven Committee gave the green light at July’s meeting to serve a section 215 notice requiring the garden at 2 Albion Street be cleared up.
It was also agreed to add the property to the committee’s problem buildings list, as recommended by a Pendle Council report.
However, committee chairman Coun. David Whipp proposed a further sanction in a prohibition order on the property as he did not feel it was fit to be lived in. That was backed unanimously by councillors.
A council report said the end of terrace property was in a “poor condition” externally and there is evidence of fire damage to the door.
The report added the garden was in a “parlous state” and as a result, the property was having a “significant detrimental impact” on the amenity of the surrounding area.
Coun. Whipp said: “I think it’s unfit for human habitation. I think it’s quite urgent we take action now to stop it getting occupied.”
The report stated the owner of the building is in prison and is not likely to resume occupancy of the building.
It recommended full restoration should not be sought yet but the council would pursue a long-term resolution to its reuse with the owner.
Speaking after the meeting, Coun. Chris Tennant said: “We needed to get it sorted out irrespective of the owner. It’s an eyesore and one clearly visible from the bus station and the flats behind.”