Salix seeks approval to knock down 108 Broughton homes

SALFORD Council’s regeneration partner Salix Homes is seeking permission to knock down more than 100 properties in Higher Broughton.

A report seeking approval for demolition of 108 of the 138 homes in the area, known as “Top Streets”, is to be presented to Salford Council leader John Merry today.

It states that it is not yet possible knock down all of the houses that were acquired through a Compulsory Purchase Order in May 2007 to make way for a Pathfinder housing scheme.

Four of the houses are still occupied with negotiations “still ongoing to agree rehousing solutions”, it said.

It also said there were “outstanding legal issues” that need to be resolved.

Three of the four residents remaining within the properties have secured High Court injunctions which prevent the demolition if 1-15 King St and 2-16 King St, as well as 53-67 Devonshire St. However, the report states that all of the properties in the area, including the four in which former owner-occupiers remain, have been in council hands since July 31, 2009.

The Council’s report states that legal advice was taken about demolition of the surrounding properties and that it has sought the views of those in the properties that remain, but that no objection has been forthcoming. It has taken legal advice which states that there doesn’t seem to be any reason why it can’t demolish the remaining properties.

“Despite the best efforts of the City Council and its partners, Salix Homes and Urban Vision, in managing the neighbourhood, the condition of the vacant properties unfortunately continues to deteriorate and have a negative impact on the surrounding area,” it said.

The report adds that demolition is not expected to cost any more than £350,000, and that demolition would “significantly reduce the negative impact that they are currently having on the surrounding area and the associated management costs”.