A COUNCIL property in Whitefield is to be knocked down due to its condition and the cost of repair.

The Elms, a Victorian building on Elms Close, was subdivided and extended into five flats and has been vacant for approximately three years due to extensive and severe dry rot throughout.

There is also housing land to the rear of the flats which is overgrown and landlocked by the property.

A report to councillors revealed that the estimated cost of repair would be more than £1 million.

Cllr Clare Cummins, cabinet member for housing services at the council, said: “This is a derelict property which is causing blight to neighbouring properties and the community.

"There is a risk that it will attract anti-social behaviour, including fly-tipping and arson, and any further deterioration in its condition would result in additional costs to remedy.”

The future of the cleared site will be determined following an options appraisal, in accordance with the priorities set out in the council’s housing strategy.