Action once again demanded on Hardy block, Portland

A move is being made to try and get Dorset Council to make a compulsory purchase of the eyesore Hardy block in Castletown, in order to create 'much needed' housing on the island.

The complex has stood as an imposing derelict site since it was vacated by the Royal Navy in the mid-1990s. The site has become an anti-social behaviour hotspot with local children regularly breaking in. 

Purchased by Comer Homes in 1999, it received planning permission to turn it into luxury apartments but this was never progressed. A neighbouring block, which became Atlantic House, was converted into flats.

At its recent planning and highways meeting, Portland town councillors decided to urge Dorset Council to make a compulsory purchase of the Hardy block.

The Hardy Block on Portland

The proposal was put forward by Cllr Sheila Miles who said: "It remains undeveloped and it doesn't look like they are going to do anything with it. The condition deteriorates every day.

"We so desperately need good social housing. We need to do something with the Hardy block. Anything."

The proposed compulsory purchase is a legal mechanism by which authorities can acquire land without the consent of the owner.

However, the law and procedures involved are complex, as it is intended as a last-resort measure.

Members of Portland Town Council say they have made approaches to the owners of the site, Comer Homes, for some time in an attempt to get something done - but they rarely receive any replies.

Cllr Sandy West lives behind the Hardy block and loves the woodland that has sprouted up but agrees something must be done with the building.

She says young people regularly find their way inside the site, daubing graffiti and getting on the roof.

She said: "I would like to see it pulled down, so if they want to build something they can.

"Some sort of solution is needed. They need to pull it down before kids fall off the top.

"It can't be left like that any more."

This is a long-standing issue for the island.

In 2020 Dorset Councillor Nick Ireland urged action on the issue, asking for talks with the company to discuss plans and have the enforcement team take action to clear up the site.

Read more: Council vows to take action over former naval block which has 'blighted' area

A compulsory purchase was even considered as far back as 2005 but the idea was abandoned because the cost of buying the site with its existing planning permission was prohibitive. 

Read more: INSIDE THE HARDY BLOCK DEATH TRAP

Comer Homes Group have been approached for comment.

Cllr Gill Taylor, Cabinet member for Housing and Health for Dorset Council said: “We are working on a number of projects for affordable housing on Portland including the Magna development on the former Royal Manor School site and the Community Land Trust initiative at Southwell.

"We are also involved in several affordable homes schemes in Weymouth, including the Buxton Road site.

“We are continuing to investigate options at the Hardy block at Ayton Drive.”