"We didn’t want to take this action, we wanted the owners to try and rectify the matter with their insurance companies.”
Senior environmental health officer for Neath Port Talbot council Celfin Davies said the above during a hearing in Cardiff, referring to the council’s decision to order residents at Welsh village Ystalyfera to leave due to safety concerns.
The issue stemmed from “unstable” land supposedly posing imminent risk to occupants of several terraced homes along Cyfyng Road, following landslides in August. An appeal has been filed by residents who oppose the order, while the council insists homeowners must first appoint a structural engineer for a full assessment and corresponding action.
A report by the BBC said Davies cited new cracks observed along the rear of one of the properties, with council lawyer Stephen Cottle pointing out the need to stabilise the hillside. Residents, on the other hand, argued they had taken measures such as fencing off the rear of their homes – which Davies said weren’t enough.
The property tribunal chaired by Chris McNall is expected to resume in 2018.
Related stories:
Brexit, technology fuelling changes in construction industry, says Zurich
London Club hit with $1 billion bill over environmental damage
