Plans have been submitted to demolish what remains of Old Park Lodge in St Lawrence, after the property was left partially destroyed and structurally unsound by a landslip last year.
The 2-storey home was devastated by ground movement in March 2024, resulting in half of the structure collapsing and sliding across the boundary into neighbouring land.
Now, with insurance liability accepted, the owners have applied for prior approval to carry out full demolition works – by hand.
A detailed method statement, submitted alongside the application, outlines how the remaining structure is to be carefully dismantled using a combination of manual labour and machinery, including a 5-tonne digger and 3-tonne dumper. The works are scheduled to begin on 9th September and complete by 30th September.
All utilities have already been disconnected, and safety fencing remains in place around the site, having been erected following the initial landslip.
It is said the house moved around 10 metres from its original location due to the shearing force of the landslide. Several mature trees were also uprooted during the incident and are due to be removed as part of the clearance.
Concerns remain about ongoing ground stability in the area, particularly due to a culvert in Hunts Lane, which has been linked to increased soil erosion. However, the demolition team states the site is now relatively stable and accessible for light machinery.
A planning decision on the prior approval application (reference 25/00949/11BPA) is expected in the coming weeks.
