Historical flats could make way for new homes

Hull City Council has decided against protecting Henson Villas in Pearson Park from demolition

Hull City Council has decided against adding historical but troubled flats to the Local Heritage List.

The decision not to protect Henson Villas in Pearson Park from demolition has removed a potential obstacle to tearing them down for 30 new homes.

The site is part of a proposed social housing development, along with the Boothferry Flats and Selworthy Close in Bransholme.

Council Housing Portfolio Holder Councillor Paul Drake-Davis said the three sites offered a “landmark opportunity” to build communities with quality homes.

Around 144 homes are to be built on the site of three tower blocks in Millport Drive, Torpoint Drive and Wollwich Drive in the Boothferry estate.

The Selworthy Close brownfield site, between Minehead and Holwell Road, would be cleared to make way for 150 homes.

Homes are to be built on the site of three tower blocks in Millport Drive, Torpoint Drive and Wollwich Drive on the Boothferry estate

Plans to tear down the Boothferry flats and Henson Villas were given the go ahead in 2021, although little progress has been made since.

The three blocks of flats have since become hotspots for crime and antisocial behaviour, including drug use.

The 20 flats remain, although some have been boarded up and there were just two tenants left as of early 2023.

Henson Villas were built in the 1950s to house single women workers as part of the city’s post-World War Two recovery.

A report to the planning committee stated the building had cost the council £120,000 on balance over the last 30 years, with maintenance and management outweighing rental income.

The Villas have been subject to a last-ditch effort by campaigners to add them to the Local Heritage List.

The 20th Century Society, which seeks to preserve and protect buildings from the period, has called on the council to save them because of their distinct architectural style.

'Proposals at early stage'

Plans for the new homes would help to bridge a shortfall in social housing in Hull, the council stated.

Mr Drake-Davis said the council now wanted to hear people’s thoughts about the plans and it would keep them informed as they progress.

He said: “These three sites offer a landmark opportunity to build new communities with modern, well designed, energy efficient and quality homes set in attractive environmentally friendly surroundings.

“The site proposals are at an early stage and it’s important that we get feedback from people who live in the locality because we want to ensure that the new developments reflect their needs and aspirations.”

People can have their say on the plans until Monday, 11 March.

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