Blocks of flats from 1950s set to be demolished

Two blocks of council flats in Stoke-on-Trent dating back to the 1950s are set to be demolished, after being given the "lowest grade" in a review of the local authority's housing.

Bell House and Barker House, in Blurton, contain 60 bedsit-style flats. But just one tenant remains and the city council has agreed terms to buy the remaining leasehold properties.

A report said demolishing the blocks would reduce potential security problems and holding costs.

Cabinet members meet on Tuesday and are expected to approve knocking them down, which would cost the council up to £710,271.

A spokesperson said work had been in progress "to obtain vacant possession" of the properties.

Using "a data-driven framework that evaluates properties using technical, economic, and energy performance metrics", they had been "rated at the lowest grade available", the spokesperson added.

Proposals to pass the site to a social landlord for developing new affordable housing fell through.

The remaining leasehold property owners had agreed terms to voluntarily sell their properties to the council, the report to cabinet said.

It added there was a remaining council tenant who was "being supported to consider their options for alternative accommodation and legal advice is being taken on options for obtaining possession of the property".

If approved, demolition could start next February once a contractor has been appointed.

One option would see the authority develop new affordable housing on the land.

An alternative proposal would involve working with an external developer, although legal restrictions apply to the sale of council housing land.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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