Landlords hold out against clearance

Mr Wilson and Westdale Properties are the final private landlords resisting the plans which will go before a planning inspector in a fortnight's time.

East Riding Council wants to knock down 117 terraced properties in the Phoenix Street and Richard Cooper Street area and build 59 houses – including 19 affordable houses – on the clearance site. The landlords argue that it would be more cost effective to renovate than rebuild.

Public protection group manager Paul Abbott said there would be opportunities for young people to get on the property ladder as well as homes for older people.

'Although we were left with no alternative to pursue a compulsory purchase order for the last few properties to try to move things forward, we have always been willing to negotiate. We remain open to negotiation with the two landlords who, between them, own the last seven properties,' he added.

The public inquiry, which could last for three days, is at the council's offices on Church Street, Goole, from 10am on Tuesday May 25.