A central Ripon site where the emergence of a sinkhole prevented new homes being built is to be given a makeover.
Harrogate Borough Council was set to build 17 homes to replace a block of flats in poor condition on Allhallowgate.
However, serious ground stability issues came to light during demolition of the existing properties.
The potential for sinkholes to open up led to the development, which was backed by funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, being scrapped.
Harrogate Borough Council decided the project was no longer economically viable in 2019.
Hoardings were erected around the site and an entry gateway was chained and locked to protect public safety.
Now Mike Chambers, the cabinet member for housing and safer communities at Harrogate Borough Council, has positive news.
He told the Stray Ferret:
“The area is going to be tidied up, levelled, re-seeded and greened to improve its appearance.
“It has become overgrown and the hoardings are a bit the worse for wear.”
There is funding to refurbish the remaining Allhallowgate flats.
Covid social distancing requirements have limited progress so far.
Cllr Chambers said:
“As the lockdown eventually lifts, we can start to progress projects.
“Our initial aim is to make the site safe and look more presentable.
“In the longer-term we will need to decide whether it is going to be a new public open space, or an area for use by the residents of the remaining Allhallogate block.”
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The residents of the demolished block were all permanently re-housed. Cllr Chambers said:
“We moved quickly and managed to purchase 18 replacement properties in the Ripon area through the housing revenue account.
“This means that there has been no net loss in the stock of properties available for social housing.”
Funding has also been allocated for extensive refurbishment and improvement of the remaining Allhallowgate block.
Ground instability problems caused by the soluble nature of gypsum have been seen in many parts of Ripon.
The Stray Ferret reported in October about the evacuation of a residential block at Bedern Court, caused by subsidence in the area.
In February 2018, a sinkhole opened up on the car park of Ripon Leisure Centre, off Dallamires Lane.
In 2016, a dozen homes in Magdalens Road were evacuated after a 66-ft wide sinkhole opened up.
