A property development company has been fined £4,500 after failing to undertake surveys into the presence of dangerous asbestos fibres.

Norwegian Homes Limited planned to convert a former hotel into guesthouses and holiday apartments. However, after finishing the demolition in 2006, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors discovered traces of asbestos.

During a routine visit, inspectors uncovered asbestos insulation boards underneath a caravan, in polythene sacks and in the ashes of a bonfire. The samples were later confirmed as containing asbestos at the Health and Safety laboratory.

"Asbestos is extremely harmful to human health and is the most serious occupational health issue in the country," warned HSE inspector Martin Lee. "More than 4,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases."

"Norwegian Homes should have carried out a survey for the presence and quantity of asbestos in the building, prior to demolition. This incident was entirely preventable and the clean-up costs far outstripped the costs of a survey and safe removal of the asbestos material."

Norwegian Homes Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. The court heard how there were no measures in place to properly remove the asbestos-containing material, nor were there any protections in place for staff working on the site.

The company was ordered to pay £11,959 in costs and £4,500 in fines.

Developers hoping to build new properties after demolitions should take note of Norwegian Homes’ plight and fully assess the health and safety of an area before commencing major building work.

If you are buying, selling or building a home, or if you would like to discuss any of the issues in the article please contact Fosters residential solicitor Hannah Lindsey-Smith on 01603 723714 (email: hlindsey-smith@fosters-solicitors.co.uk)