Demolition plan for disused block of flats

The seven storey site could come down under new Leicester City Council proposals

An empty block of Leicester flats could make way for new homes as part of a city council social housing project.

The Leys building off Upper Temple Walk in Beaumont Leys is earmarked for demolition.

The council wants to build up to 52 new homes on the site and on neighbouring land at John Calvert Court, with a toddler playground for the wider community.

The authority has said the £15.5m scheme would help it address a shortfall of social housing across the city.

The council set a target in 2022 to create 1,500 new council, social and supported living homes in Leicester by 2027.

Deputy mayor Elly Cutkelvin said: "Leicester continues to face a housing crisis and it essential we do everything we can to address the growing demand for high-quality affordable housing in the city."

Right to Buy

The seven storey block had sat empty for two years when the council bought it in 2019 for £1.2m intending to bring it back into use.

Two previous attempts to redevelop it fell through due to "higher than expected costs" due to building "defects", said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said it is currently in "a state of disrepair" and proposed an £800,000 demolition.

If approved, the new apartment buildings would be four storeys at their highest point.

The sale of council homes via Right to Buy laws would fund the project, said the council.

If given the go-ahead by planners, demolition of The Leys is expected to take place in 2025.