07-04-2025
Council says "unsafe" Grade-II listed building has been made secure
A Grade II-listed building which was shut off after big cracks appeared has been made safe.
On March 21, Uckfield High Street was partially closed following concerns regarding the safety of the former Maidens Head Hotel building.
Multiple vertical cracks had appeared on the building, sparking fears that the building was "unsafe".
In an update, Wealden Council confirmed that they have secured the building and mitigated any immediate risks to the public.
Cracks in the property on the Uckfield high street (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)
A spokesperson said: 'The council has reached out to the landowner, informing them that it is their responsibility to maintain and address the condition of the building.
'The council remains committed to monitoring the situation and making sure that the safety of residents is the main focus."
Wealden District Council said it was alerted to the condition of a property's front wall by a resident in February.
After an assessment by qualified building inspectors, it was decided a temporary support would be needed.
The partially closed Uckfield High Street (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) A spokesperson for the council said: 'Site visits by a qualified building inspector have been taking place since February 4 to assess and monitor the situation. Our primary concern throughout is public safety.
'After exhaustive but unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner, it was decided to use our emergency powers under section 78 of the building Act 1984 to take such action as necessary and reasonable to remove this potential danger.'
A temporary highway closure was put in place to provide protection to the public while the situation was further reviewed.
Local businesses were able to stay open during the works and access for pedestrians was provided on the opposite pavement.
The council said the temporary support will remove any danger to the public however further actions will be needed to provide a permanent solution.
