Anger over setbacks at fire-hit derelict factory

The owner of a derelict former shoe factory which was devastated by fire has spoken of his frustration at the setbacks that have befallen the site.

The former Van-Dal factory in Dibden Road, Norwich, was wrecked by fire on Monday, with 17 crews called to tackle the flames.

Hemingford Group had submitted plans to demolish the building and construct 48 homes, with the company having to shift its focus to containing asbestos and ensuring damaged structures would not collapse.

"We are still pursuing the redevelopment of the site but we are primarily concerned with securing its safety," said Rob Harrison, of Warwickshire-based Hemingford.

Earlier this week, the city council had urged residents to shut their windows and avoid touching debris due to the risk of asbestos, and a nearby school closed over safety fears.

A partial demolition has been completed, with Norfolk Police conducting an arson investigation.

Mr Harrison said all asbestos had been contained and would be removed at a later date, with other demolition work continuing on Thursday.

Referring to the company's hopes for the site, he said it had been in productive talks with Norwich City Council, but the planning application from 2023 had stalled due to Natural England's advice to council's about new housing developments.

"It has been infuriating as a small company to shell out huge costs for a project like this while politicians dilly-dally – and then someone burns the building down," he said.

"Previously, the demolition work would have been straightforward.

"But this is going to cost us a great deal more and we have a lot of work to do."

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