A block of flats in a County Durham town is to be knocked down after it was deemed 'surplus to requirements'.

Durham County Council has submitted plans to demolish the four-storey building, at 128 to 132 Helford Road, in Peterlee. It is set to be torn down using both hand and remote demolition methods.

The council's regeneration, economy, and growth department, led by David Robinson, is behind the application.

The demolition is expected to be completed by January 3, 2025, with work beginning in September 2024.

The site will then be restored, levelled, graded, and covered with topsoil, which will be seeded with grass.

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The demolition process will include a soft strip, which involves the removal of non-structural debris and materials from inside the building.

Any identified asbestos will also be removed by licensed contractors following regulations.

The demolition will start from the east elevation and will systematically work across the site.

Welfare facilities for workers will be in compliance with Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007, and mesh panel fencing and warning signs will be set up around the perimeter of the site.

Environmental considerations have also been taken into account, with measures to minimise dust and noise during the works.

Water suppression will be used to control dust that arises from the removal of the building.

Once the demolition is complete, all debris will be removed from the site.

The council's application will be assessed through the necessary planning procedures.