THE derelict site of the former DHSS offices in South Norwood is to get new owners, the Advertiser understands.
Martin Benson was granted planning permission in 2010 to convert the building into flats, but since then nothing has happened.
He was served with a tidy-up notice by the council in February after the authority received complaints about the site's shoddy appearance.
However, the notice has now expired and nothing has happened, leaving the council with the option of fining the owner or carrying out the work themselves and sending him the bill.
But it appears Mr Benson, who was considering selling the site in February, is close to a deal to sell it on.
He had been granted permission to build 22 flats on the site, which is very close to Norwood Junction station.
South Norwood councillor Wayne Lawlor had previously expressed fears the building could attract squatters.
He said: "It still looks like a war zone. It presents a hazard to people walking past it.
"If there was a strong wind and glass was knocked out it could hit a passer-by and kill them.
"I wish the council would stop procrastinating over this issue. If it has served a notice for someone to tidy it up, then it should follow through with it."
Mr Lawlor also expressed fears about the site being transformed into housing, saying he would like the owners of the site to consult with the local community.
He added: "We need quality housing, no one is denying that – my concern is just overcrowding in the area.
"If that is what local people want, if that is what is borne out of a consultation, that is fine."
A spokesman for Croydon Council indicated it would take action to clean up the building in the next few weeks if it did not see any movement from the current owner.
He added: "The council has used its legal powers to request that the owners tidy up and secure this property.
"The notice has now expired on this request and we are now considering which of several possible courses of action to take to make sure that the necessary work is carried out."
The Advertiser contacted Mr Benson's agent, JDW Architects, but did not receive a response.
