War on 'demolition by neglect'

The City of Stirling is considering tough new laws that would let officers order repairs and enter heritage homes that are victims of "demolition by neglect". Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: Supplied

WA's biggest council is proposing tough new laws that would allow its officers to enter neglected heritage properties, order repairs and force the owners to pay.

The City of Stirling believes it will stop the practice of "demolition by neglect".

Officers would only enter buildings whose owners ignored notices giving them 60 days to carry out repairs.

City of Stirling's manager of approvals Andre Gillot said demolition by neglect was becoming more prevalent and the council had identified shortcomings in laws to control it.

"The city will follow due legal process on a case-by-case basis to gain access to the buildings after the 60-day period," he said.

The council's area includes much of Mt Lawley, Inglewood and Menora.

The proposed amendment is open for comment until March 4.

Mt Lawley Society president Bruce Wooldridge said it was groundbreaking and the council should be applauded.

"Heritage protection areas of Mt Lawley, Menora and Inglewood are arguably the best examples in Australia of intact residential areas from the first decades of the 20th Century," he said.

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War on 'demolition by neglect'