Who benefits from demolition?

Published on 15th February 2007 in Letters

Sir - Life's too short to study ERYC's continued bombardment of Goole streets. But the David and Goliath situation could not have been more graphically illustrated than in last week's paper. Side-by-side we were greeted with Sally Burns (ERYC's third official on this mission to outer space) banging on again, to such length and density anyone would believe this WAS the public inquiry! And in the opposite corner was mild-mannered comment from Kevin Flynn, Chair of Goole Action Group.

In Ms Burns' letter, the phrase "will appoint a developer" was the bit that leapt off the print that I saw. ERYC knows already who will benefit. Registered Social Landlords like Yorkshire Housing Association stand to reap a huge profit from a demolition site with river frontage. Outline planning permission adds millions to pieces of land that are otherwise deemed too cheap and nasty to continue to exist in little old Goole. The neighbouring site, that ERYC planners considered for housing, did not even take account of flood-risk assessment, so much of a hurry was ERYC in to get a toe-hold on it. Of course, it did not feature in the re-development plan drawn up by ERYC's consultants, the BE Group, despite the fact that developing the warehouse site provides for access along Phoenix Street. It makes a mockery of the idea that ERYC developers will be doing their best for the townspeople by separating these pieces of land. If ERYC can ignore government rules and the Environment Agency's statutory consultation and advisory role as it has already done in this case, it does not augur well for any re-development on the adjacent site of the two streets under threat.

Whether you agree with demolition or renovation, the plain fact is that ERYC's procedures are untrustworthy, I believe. Once upon a time local councillors did the walking and the talking. Now it seems they are not up to it and we have paid officers doing what they deem best. So much for real democracy. It's not renaissance we need, it's reconnaisance - a survey of information held by the enemy - all cards on the table.

Enid Thompson

Marshfield Road

Goole