A TOWN centre building which is classed as “unsafe and dangerous” could be flattened.

The site at 40-44 Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth suffered extensive damage following a huge fire in August 2020.

Several flats were destroyed and businesses had to relocate as a result of the blaze, which took around 10 hours to extinguish.

The cause of the fire has never been identified and the burnt-out flats have sat vacant.

Stonehaven Holdings Ltd is now seeking permission from BCP Council’s planning to demolish the building, which is next to the turning for Cotlands Road in Lansdowne.

A statement submitted on behalf of the developer by Chapman Lily Planning Ltd said: “The letter from BCP Council building control identifies that the building is classed as an unsafe and dangerous building under the Buildings Act 1984 and this letter demonstrates that the proposed demolition of the building is required on safety grounds which is a material consideration.

“It is considered that the method of demolition can be secured by condition.”

The statement said the neighbouring building at number 38 is not included in the proposed demolition. This provides separation from the former fire station at 28 to 36 Holdenhurst Road, which is a Grade II listed building.

No details are given on what could be built on the corner plot if the demolition takes place and no other planning applications have been submitted at present.

Fire crews had to battle the flat blaze on the third floor of the building through the night after it broke out on the afternoon of Saturday, August 8.

At the height of the incident 12 fire engines were in attendance with crews rotating due to the hot conditions.

The fire spread from an initially small area of the premises to eventually bring down most of the building’s roof.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service carried out an investigation, which concluded the fire most likely started accidentally in the kitchen of one of the flats. However the exact cause remained a mystery due to the scale of the damage.

Last year BCP Council said the site continued to be monitored for public safety.