THE future of a ten-storey fire-ravaged office block in Teesside is still in doubt.

Council officials say the site is too close to a chemical works to be used for housing, although they agree that the building should be demolished as soon as possible.

Billingham House, the former ICI offices in Belasis Avenue, Billingham, has been a target for vandals since closing in the mid-1990s.

Broseley Homes revealed plans for 128 homes on the site last year. Despite a safe production record, however, the "risk of harm to people" led the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to advise against the £12m development.

Following the HSE objections, and concerns from two chemical companies, Stockton Borough Council planning committee will be recommended to reject the plans next week.

Ian Thompson, head of regeneration and economic development at the council, said: "Safety must come above any other factor. This site is only 50 metres from the industrial site and, although modern chemical processes are as safe as they possibly can be, a million tonnes of ammonia and nitric acid is still produced there each year.

"We share residents' concerns about the current condition of Billingham House, and feel strongly that this building should be demolished as quickly as possible and have urged its owners to do so."