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Decision requested by decision maker:
To issue an Abatement Notice under section 79(1) of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 to abate the nuisance caused to
the neighbouring property at 8 Woodlands, Combe Martin

Reasons for the decision

1.1. The property is unoccupied and requires
extensive renovation
1.2. An internal inspection of 8 Woodlands, Combe Martin
established damp on the internal adjoining walls with Burleigh
House
1.3. A Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspection
of Burleigh House resulted in the identification of a category 1
hazards in respect of:
o damp & mould
o structural collapse and falling elements
1.4. We intend to issue a prohibition order to prevent entry and
occupation of Burleigh House
1.5. Due to the risks of structural collapse inside Burleigh House
we have been unable to collate sufficient evidence to justify the
issue of an improvement notice
1.6. However, we have sufficient evidence to conclude that the damp
& mould identified inside Burleigh House on the walls adjacent
to 8 Woodlands constitutes an unacceptable nuisance

Alternative options considered

3.1. An improvement notice is not appropriate,
as an internal assessment of the roof could not be made because
there was not safe access to the upper floors of the property. We
consider that an abatement notice requiring necessary repairs to
Burleigh House to permanently remove damp and mould from the
adjoining walls with 8 Woodlands, Combe Martin is more
appropriate.