CPOs next step in renewal scheme

Published on 14th June 2007 in News

The East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) has said it is making "very good progress" with its long-term renewal project in Goole.

The council has now acquired, or has made arrangements to acquire, 105 of the 117 properties on Richard Cooper and Phoenix Streets.

Both streets are set to be demolished as part of a ten-year, multi-million pound programme which aims to improve quality of life in 53 streets in the Shuffleton, Old Goole and Boothferry Road areas.

Of the 12 houses which are left, none belongs to the occupier, but to landlords and a speculative developer.

Questions have been asked, particularly by Goole Action Group, about why the council has not issued Compulsory Purchase Orders.

Sally Burns, head of housing and public protection at the ERYC, said: "The council wishes to pursue its policy of voluntary acquisition to a successful conclusion and has sought to reach agreement with the people involved.

"This policy offers landlords market value plus a top-up payment of 7.5 per cent and assistance with legal and valuation fees on the existing property and a subsequent purchase.

"However, if there is no further progress with the remaining owners the council will be forced to pursue purchase through the issue of Compulsory Purchase Orders. This would lead, inevitably, to delay in the development of the whole site."

Many of the former residents - 34 tenants and 39 homeowners - of Richard Cooper and Phoenix Streets have been given help to move home and several people have testified to the smooth running of their move, says ERYC.

Thirty-four landlords have accepted the financial package offered by the council and some have bought properties elsewhere.

The Adelphi warehouse, on Hook Road, which forms part of the development site, is set to be demolished this summer.