Demolition of two streets 'the correct decision'

Published on 8th February 2007 in Letters

Sir - I would like to use your letters page to respond to the various letters that have appeared in recent weeks about the Advance Goole housing regeneration project and, in particular, about the future of the two streets scheduled for demolition (Richard Cooper and Phoenix streets).

The decision to demolish the two streets and redevelop the site was taken by East Riding of Yorkshire Council on December 7, 2004 and only after a most careful consideration of all other options as part of the Neighbourhood renewal Assessment process, including consideration of the option of renovating the existing houses.

It was very clear that renovation of the two streets was not going to achieve the 'step change' needed to achieve the regeneration goals of Advance Goole and today, as there are still a number of empty properties in the 53 streets area, this was clearly the correct decision to take.

The council has always known that acquiring all the properties in the two streets could take a long time, but we wished to proceed by voluntary acquisition if at all possible and the process has gone well. Now nearly 90 per cent of properties are either already owned by the council and its partners or are in the process of being acquired. All owner-occupiers have either sold or are in the process of selling. The properties remaining to be purchased are owned by landlords, most of whom do not live within the Goole area, and a speculative developer.

The council is currently meeting and negotiating with a small number of landlords to try to agree terms voluntarily on the small number of remaining properties and only in cases where this process fails will compulsory purchase orders be considered.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has communicated with residents regularly through newsletters and the various exhibitions that have been held in Goole, including over the future development of Richard Cooper and Phoenix streets, and through the team of officers put in place to assist within Goole.

There is no 'inaction,' far from it, but clearly the council cannot move to appoint a developer until all the properties have been acquired and any compulsory purchase order process, if needed, concluded.

The exact detail of development on the site has been the subject of extensive consultation which has already taken place which has shown support locally for a mixture of housing for families and elderly people.

A major part of the scheme is the improvement and modernisation of some 53 terraced streets in the renewal area. A wide-ranging programme of improvements, starting in Alexander and Humber streets, is due to commence later in the year, with work including cleaning and re-pointing brickwork, new guttering and painting, and replacing or repairing doors and windows. The council's officers are currently working on improvements to the scheme, including the provision of insulation methods with the aim of increasing the energy efficiency of properties.

Finally, the almost exclusive focus of recent correspondence on the two streets scheduled for demolition is trying to obscure the fact that Advance Goole is a much wider regeneration project, backed by nearly £10 million of government funding in the first three years alone, with further funding earmarked. It is also strongly linked to the wider regeneration, through the Goole Renaissance Programme, bringing jobs and developments to the area.

I said earlier in my letter it is very unfortunate that a small number of individuals have chosen to use your paper to 'set hares running' around the scheme. The scheme will bring huge benefits for Goole and also improve the quality of life for residents living in this area. Any readers who would like to obtain a copy of the newsletter which provides updates can obtain one from our team on (01482) 396336 or from the council's website.

Sally Burns

Head of Housing

and Public Protection

East Riding of

Yorkshire Council,

Beverley