Landlords lose as Minister approves council purchase

THE two landlords holding out against plans to demolish and rebuild homes in two streets in Goole appear to have lost their marathon battle.

The Government has confirmed that the compulsory purchase of the last two properties in Richard Cooper Street, owned by Alan Wilson and Westdale Services, can now go ahead.

The move will finally allow developers 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 site.

The landlords argued that it would be more cost effective to renovate than rebuild.

However Communities Minister Eric Pickles confirmed the CPO, following a recent public inquiry.

All the other properties in Richard Cooper Street and nearby Phoenix Street are already owned by the council.

Council leader Stephen Parnaby said: “We are delighted to have been given the Government’s backing.”

He added: “To avoid delay, disruption and cost the council would far rather have agreed to buy these properties through negotiation, rather than facing this lengthy legal process.“

The public inquiry cost the council more than 15,000 in professional fees alone and further delayed the 9.79m scheme.

Westdale Services director Malcolm Kitching said the battle may not be over, adding: “We are disappointed as the decision appears to go against Government policy.

“Government policy is one where they are trying to save money and they are proposing to spend an extra 2m knocking down houses, losing more than 50, and building 40 of a type that people can’t afford.”