by DEMOCRAT CORRESPONDENT
Argyll & Bute Council recently announced that two owners had formally challenged the dangerous buildings notice regarding the partially collapsed, hazardous property at 5-7 and 9-11 East Clyde Street in Helensburgh.As this damaged structure is divided among multiple private owners, the council says they lack the legal authority to demolish it without first completing the necessary court processes at Dumbarton Sheriff Court.
At the first court session on July 28, legal challenges against Argyll and Bute Council were dropped by two owners.
Following the court hearing, new legally binding orders require the owners to begin structural demolition work by August 17, 2026.
However, the owners have a 21-day window to appeal these new orders.
If not appealed or unchallenged, the council will finally hold the authority to clear the hazard themselves via a “works in default” process.
Notices state that the owners need to liaise with the council regarding access to the existing exclusion zone around the dangerous building and that full demolition of the building must go ahead to ensure public safety as outlined in the structural engineer’s report.
Sheriff Maxwell Hendry expressed ongoing concern for the structural state of the site.
Argyll and Bute Council stated: “The Council’s Building Standards Team is actively involved in working towards a resolution to the dangerous buildings on East Clyde Street.
“This is a large and complex situation with multiple owners and occupants of two separate buildings.”
Meanwhile, the prolonged closure of the A814 at East Clyde Street continues to disrupt local traffic and severely impact nearby businesses.
The collapsing building near the corner of Sinclair Street and East Clyde Street.