Demolition of unfit dwellings

(1) Where, in the opinion of the Local Authority, a nuisance exists with respect to premises which, in its opinion, are so dilapidated or so defectively constructed or so situated that repairs to or alterations of such premises are not likely to remove the nuisance, the Local Authority may apply to the court for a demolition order, and, on the court being satisfied that such nuisance exists, and that repairs to or alterations of the premises are not likely to remove the nuisance, the court may order the owner thereof to commence to demolish the premises on or before a specified day, being at least one month from the date of issuing the order and to complete the demolition and to remove the materials which comprised the premises from the site before another specified day. (2) Before any demolition order is made, notice of the application for the order shall be served on the owner of the premises who may attend and give evidence at the hearing of the application by the court. (3) The court shall give notice to the occupier of the premises in respect of which a demolition order has been issued requiring him to move therefrom within a time to be specified in such notice, and if any person fails to comply with such notice or enters the premises, without lawful excuse, after the date fixed he is guilty of an offence. (4) If any person fails to comply with an order for demolition he is guilty of an offence and is liable to pay the daily fine provided in section 139 (1) of this Act and the Local Authority may cause the premises to be demolished and may recover from the owner the expense incurred in doing so after deducting the net proceeds of the sale of the materials which the Local Authority may sell by auction. (5) No compensation shall be paid by the Local Authority to the owner or occupier of any premises in respect of the demolition thereof as provided in this section, and from the date of the demolition order no rent shall be due or payable by or on behalf of the occupier in respect of such premises.