Authorities have their say on responsibility for building

IN THE wake of the tragedy which killed a man, questions have been asked about who is responsible for the building.

A report was drawn up in June 2016 into the condition of the building which went live on Cardiff council’s website in September.

The following month, council officers said the demolition could go ahead.

In the wake of the building’s collapse on Tuesday, we asked Network Rail, Cardiff council and South Wales Police the following questions:

What measures had been taken since the report in November last year which said that there was a danger of collapse?

What contact has the council had with the owner of the building to ensure the demolition was being carried out safely?

Whose responsibility is it to ensure the safety of a building? Does that change if the building neighbours a railway line?

Can an authority intervene in any way?

What happens next in terms of an investigation, and who will lead that?

The following responses were received:

Jeff Davies, director of route safety and asset management, said: “Network Rail are responsible for looking after the rail network. We have a dedicated team whose responsibility it is to protect the railway from the activities of outside and third parties.

“In Splott our team have been supporting the emergency services as they carry out their work and we are fully cooperating with the ongoing Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Cardiff council investigation.”

South Wales Police confirmed it was jointly leading an investigation with the HSE.

A Cardiff council spokesman said: “Permission to demolish the Citadel was given to the building’s owner in November 2016. This followed on from a report in June 2016 which was prepared on behalf of Network Rail in advance of them starting work on Splott Road Bridge.

“That report highlighted that the works they were due to carry out on the bridge could affect the rear of the Citadel facing the railway lines.

“The two sides of the building along Splott Road and Pearl Street were, however, found to be in good structural condition and, therefore, not deemed to be a risk to members of the public.

“After receiving this report, the council arranged a meeting between Network Rail and the owner of the Citadel in August 2016.

“That meeting was to discuss how Network Rail’s work on Splott Road Bridge may affect the Citadel and what would be required to maintain the building’s safety while work was ongoing.

“At that meeting, the council agreed with the owner that he would seal off the Citadel, preventing public access to the building.

“Cardiff council then received the application to demolish the Citadel from the building’s owner and permission was granted.

“Responsibility for the demolition lies with the owner and or contractor/s hired to take down the building.

“South Wales Police and the Health and Safety Executive have now begun an investigation to establish the exact cause of the collapse.

“Cardiff council would like to take this opportunity to offer its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased man and everyone affected by the incident on Tuesday.”