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Caerphilly County Borough Council has used emergency powers to demolish the former Aneurin Labour Club in Penyrheol on safety grounds.

Contractors Bond Demolition were seen at work today, Saturday September 23, and the council has said it will look to recover costs from the building’s owner.

The site suffered a fire in its ancillary flat early Friday morning – causing a nearby primary school to close for the day. The fire-damaged flat was demolished later that day.

Demolition of the 1960s-era building, which was latterly known as the Aneurin Sports Bar, first began last month without the correct permission in place with council officials halting work

Concern over asbestos

The private demolition work, which began in August, was met with strong opposition from local councillors and residents concerned that asbestos could be present.

The owner of the building, Clayton Jones, submitted a prior notice of demolition to Caerphilly County Borough Council on August 8 citing safety concerns of the building and to clear the site for a potential housing development.

Demolition work started soon afterwards, but council officers halted it and recently determined on September 17 that a full planning application was needed because of asbestos concerns and the need for a bat roosting survey.

Throughout this time, the building has been fenced-off, but the security measures disappeared on Thursday before the fire. Since then they have been re-erected.

Environmental body Natural Resources Wales was also contacted in May this year regarding waste material being stored at the site.

Jak Rose, Waste and Industry Regulation officer for Natural Resources Wales said: “Upon visiting the site, officers found small piles of waste on the land surrounding the building with some waste having been burned on site.

“The landowner was issued with an advice and guidance letter, advising them of the correct procedures to store and manage waste, in order to prevent any potential impact to the local environment.”

Mr Jones has been contacted by Caerphilly Observer.