The local authority has maintained there was no choice but to bulldoze the old bakery building on Raven Street in Stourport because it was in such a poor condition and presented an immediate danger.
The retrospective planning application outlines that the works to demolish structures on the site follow the serving of a Dangerous Structure Notice and advice contained within the structural report.
The application highlights that this report demonstrated that the building was in such a “poor state of repair it was at immediate risk of collapse”.
The council has said that it was demolished under the Building Act 1984 – and that a legal precedent in a previous case allowed them to do it. The building was demolished on Monday, November 11.
An application document outlines: “This application seeks retrospective consent for planning permission for relevant demolition in a conservation area. The demolition and removal of these structures has been undertaken following the invocation of Section 78 of the Building Act 1984.
“The demolition was carried out due to the imminent risk to public health and safety and to ensure that the costs associated with securing the site were the best use of public funds.
“The demolition has allowed for a cleared development plot which will be beneficial to its appearance, character and significance, as well as enhancing the conservation area”.
Meanwhile, the Stourport Civic Society has written a formal complaint to the local authority demanding an investigation into the demolition and has asked what will be done to restore the site they believe should have been protected.
Andrew Booton, chairman of the civic society said the council has “destroyed our heritage and undermined the integrity of our Conservation Area”.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The complaint has been acknowledged and will be dealt with in accordance with the council’s complaints procedure. It would not be appropriate to comment while this process is underway”.