Calls for Fair Compensation Amid Resident Displacement

A concerned resident reports difficulty in securing a new residence as a local council proceeds with land acquisition for a proposed multiversity, necessitating the relocation of area inhabitants. Planning inspector Phillip Ware is slated to preside over an eight-day public inquiry concerning a compulsory purchase order (CPO) that Blackpool Council is pursuing to clear the site for the development. The council has already secured 70% of the land situated between Cookson Street, Milbourne Street, George Street, and Grosvenor Street; however, 13 objections to the CPO have been lodged, prompting the public inquiry. One resident mentioned having searched for an alternative home in the town centre “for months” without finding anything suitable. The George Street resident, who requested anonymity, conveyed significant apprehension about their property being within the CPO zone and the impending requirement to move. “We’re both disabled, we’ve got a mentally ill child, no one’s helping us, we’re in the dark,” he said. The man, who has resided on the town centre street for 10 years, stated: “We were supposed to be out by August, there’s houses being boarded up, everyone’s leaving one by one, we don’t feel safe with empty property either side of us.” “This is a rented property and the landlord wants us out so he can sell, he’s got no interest in us at all, were just a figure in his head now.” He reiterated that his family had been seeking another home in the town centre “for months.” “We can’t find anywhere,” he said. “There’s nowhere in our budget and there’s nothing available for what we need.” “We’ve good memories here, so it’s a shame that we’ve got to go.” “We’ve got everything here, we’ve got the dentist here, the doctor there, the child’s school’s just over here and all the shops.” Jeweller Andrew Clayton expressed being “surprised” upon learning of the CPO. “We were looking forward to the new building over the road with a catchment for lunchtime spending and we were looking to redevelop the premises we had,” he said. His business recently relocated to Topping Street from Cookson Street after 61 years, a move necessitated by the multiversity plans. “I don’t think the council understand the costings it takes to move into another shop with security and the bespoke displays,” Mr Clayton said. “We funded it all ourselves.” “We are closer to town so we are experiencing more footfall, but there was the benefit on Cookson Street of several parking bays.” Nick Gerrard, the council’s growth and prosperity manager, informed a recent session of the tourism, economy and communities scrutiny committee that the council must demonstrate the CPO serves the public interest and provides fair compensation to those displaced. Some objections have been withdrawn as negotiations for property acquisition continue, with the hearing scheduled to receive evidence from both the remaining objectors and the council. The public inquiry is set to convene at The Imperial Hotel on North Promenade, from November 12 to 15. It is then scheduled to recommence from December 3 to 6, though it may conclude earlier if all evidence has been presented. The inspector will review all submitted evidence before issuing his decision, which is anticipated early in the new year. Members of the public are welcome to attend the hearing. Should the decision permit the CPO to proceed, construction on the project is projected to begin in May or June of next year, provided the entire site has been assembled. For further engagement, listeners can access BBC Radio Lancashire content on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk or by Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright © 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.