Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
08
Sept
Sinkholes set to claim another Ripon block of flats
Sinkhole activity is set to bring the demolition of a third block of council flats in a part of Ripon with a history of ground stability issues.
The block of four properties on Princess Close in the Magdalens area of the city is now empty, after the final residents were moved out seven weeks ago.
Ken Smith, who lives in an adjacent block, told the Stray Ferret:
Before she moved out, a lady who lived in one of the affected flats showed me the sizeable cracks that were in the walls and floor of one of her rooms and I found it shocking.
Another resident, who left seven weeks ago, had issues with windows that no longer fit because the movement of the building damaged the frames.
Ken Smith was shocked at what he saw.
The block has very visible problems with its foundations
Cracks can also be seen on exterior walls.
A final decision on the stricken building, which came into North Yorkshire Council's ownership in April 2023, will be made on October 8 by Councillor Simon Myers, the executive member for culture, arts and housing.
A report for his consideration prepared by council officers, who have been monitoring the block, addresses 'significant structural concerns' and outlines three options: retain and monitor, remedial works, and demolition, while stating:
The report seeks a steer from the executive member on the preferred option, noting that demolition is the preferred option for officers as the safest and most cost-effective solution.
Previous demolition decisions
The now-defunct Harrogate Borough Council approved plans in June 2009 and August 2010 to demolish detached blocks containing four flats apiece that were part of the social housing development at Princess Close.
A planning condition for each demolition was for the area where the buildings had stood to be grassed over.
Evidence of sinkhole activity can be seen on Princess Close.
Eamon Parkin, formerly landlord of the Magdelans pub and mayor of Ripon, pointed out:
When I was a ward councillor for Ure Bank I dealt with a number of sinkhole and ground stability issues in this part of city.
A couple of years ago a resident who lived in the affected block in Princess Close asked me to look at the cracks in the internal walls of his flat.
They were horrendous and when I contacted North Yorkshire Council they said they would send somebody around to check them out.
0