Up to 39 more Goldthorpe homes earmarked for demolition
Dozens more homes in Goldthorpe could be demolished under plans to tackle poor-quality housing and long-standing social problems in the area.
A report going before Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council’s cabinet on March 4 sets out proposals for phase two of the Goldthorpe Housing Project. The plans would see 39 properties in and around Co-operative Street and Claycliffe Terrace acquired and demolished, extending demolition works already approved under an earlier phase of the scheme.
Council officers say the next phase would expand the programme to cover streets affected by housing in poor condition, high levels of empty properties and issues including crime, anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.
Unlike the earlier phase, most of the homes identified in Phase two are currently occupied, mainly by tenants in the private rented sector, with a smaller number already empty or owned by the council.
The council says it will first seek to buy the properties by agreement, with compulsory purchase powers used only as a last resort where negotiations fail or ownership cannot be established.
If compulsory purchase orders are pursued, final approval would be required from the Secretary of State.
The authority says residents will be supported and rehoused before any demolition takes place.
Households affected would receive individual housing needs assessments, relocation support and help finding alternative accommodation, including access to council housing where appropriate.
The existing homes would not be replaced immediately.
Instead, the land would be cleared and prepared for redevelopment, with longer-term plans to deliver new, higher-quality housing once the site is assembled and planning permission secured.
Exact details of what will be built, including the number and type of new homes, have not yet been decided and would come forward through a future planning application.
The council has allocated £5.3m to deliver phase two of the scheme, funded through a mix of towns fund money and council resources, with work expected to continue until 2028, subject to approvals.
Public consultation carried out last year found most respondents supported the demolition plans, although concerns were raised about rehousing, compensation and community impact.
The council says further engagement will take place with affected residents as the project progresses.
The proposals form part of wider regeneration plans by Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to improve housing conditions and living environments in Goldthorpe and the Dearne area.