Council set to push through village 'masterplan'

COUNCIL bosses may resort to compulsory purchase orders in order to allow a village’s housing blueprint to progress.

Barnsley Council Cabinet members have been presented with an update on the Goldthorpe Masterplan-which would transform the village and add two new schools and a market.

Since the project was approved in January 2009, the council has completed property evaluations and looked at acquiring properties and re-homing residents.

Three-quarters of private owners included in the scheme requested property valuations and two-thirds of the required buildings have been bought.

But some property owners have not entered negotiations with the council about the purchase of their property.

A spokesman said: “The council is still intent on negotiating all the acquisitions required by agreement and recognises residents' concerns.

“In order to try and progress things more quickly, Cabinet members have given authorisation to be able to prepare a compulsory purchase order under section 17 of the Housing Act 1985.

“The council is able to provide financial assistance and in order to support the relocation of owner occupiers in the area.

“A relocation appreciation loan scheme is being operated by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Loans agency.

“This scheme has enabled other owner occupiers to successfully relocate to properties of a higher value in the Dearne Valley Housing Market renewal pathfinder area.”