Demolition signals end for long battle over two streets

The first building on Phoenix Street will be knocked down on Monday morning.

The street and neighbouring Richard Cooper Street – 117 terraced houses – are being cleared to make way for a development of 59 houses, including 19 affordable homes.

The move follows a public inquiry which confirmed a compulsory purchase order.

Two landlords, Alan Wilson and Westdale Properties, who resisted the proposals, arguing it

was more cost-effective to renovate than demolish, haven't appealed.

Leader of East Riding Council Coun Stephen Parnaby said: "I am delighted to see this long-awaited work start on site. This is an exciting project which will make a huge difference to people living in the area."

The properties are being demolished as part of the Changing Streets programme. Tenants have been compensated with more than 5,000 for loss of their home and disturbance while owner-occupiers received full market value plus 10 per cent to help them relocate.

So far 659 other homes in 17 streets have been given a facelift.

The objectors said their scheme would see 115 homes go on the market, for between 65,000 and 95,000, without any additional Government funding, in contrast to the council's scheme, which needs 2m Government money for demolition and won't see as many homes built.

However the council said the objectors' proposals were "not thoroughly costed".