THESE dramatic pictures show the progress on work to partially demolish a historic 19th century villa in Trowbridge that was in danger of collapsing.

A specialist contractor, Ben’s Demolition, is currently demolishing the Grade II-listed villa at 5 Stallard Street to the ground floor window sill level.

Barriers have been put up on the north side of Stallard Street to help protect passers-by from the possibility of falling masonry while the demolition proceeds.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The wind blows back the tarpaulin to show a digger demolishing the 19th century villa at 5 Stallard Street. Image: Trevor Porter 76932-1The wind blows back the tarpaulin to show a digger demolishing the 19th century villa at 5 Stallard Street. Image: Trevor Porter 76932-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Jonathan Dean, managing director of Innox Mills Ltd, which owns 5 Stallard Street, says they have “no alternative” but to partially demolish the property.

“We are bringing it down to window sill level and the blocks we have removed will be saved and stored ready for re-use.

“We now have to evaluate what can be reused how we can work on a plan in the next few weeks to restore the building.

“We hope to submit a planning application to Wiltshire Council in the next month or two and we will keep everybody informed as to what is going on.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The historic villa at 5 Stallard Street is being partially demolished after it was in danger of collapse. Image: Trevor Porter 76932-3The historic villa at 5 Stallard Street is being partially demolished after it was in danger of collapse. Image: Trevor Porter 76932-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Dean said his contractors had noticed “significant changes” in the property while investigating it preparation to renovate it and use the land behind.

Tree branches were growing out of the front of the property and the floors inside were caving in and collapsing, he said last month.

“Once we saw that the building was coming apart, we called in structural engineers and the building was secured immediately."

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The footpath on Stallard Street was closed after it was discovered the villa was in danger of collapsing. Image Trevor Porter 76871-3The footpath on Stallard Street was closed after it was discovered the villa was in danger of collapsing. Image Trevor Porter 76871-3 (Image: Trevor Porter)

The villa is now being partially demolished to make it safe for the public while he and his team decide what to do next.

Under Section 9 of the Building Control Act 1990, it is a criminal offence to carry out work which needs listed building consent without obtaining it beforehand.

Mr Dean has been in consultation with Wiltshire Council’s building control and conservation teams about the work that is needed.

He is obliged to reduce the structure of the property and will have to ensure that public safety is maintained while the demolition work is carried out.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The unsafe house in Stallard Street has now been demolished. Image: Trevor Porter 76939-1The unsafe house in Stallard Street has now been demolished. Image: Trevor Porter 76939-1 (Image: Trevor Porter)

Mr Dean plans to draw up a scheme to restore the property to its original state whilst modernising the inside to leave a longer-lasting legacy.

The villa was once used by the former Bowyers meat processing factory that occupied the land behind as a creche for the children of its workers.