Council secures control of derelict terraced homes

The council hopes to restore the area

A council has made a deal which will see them take ownership of a row of derelict terraced houses, as part of plans to regenerate the local area.

Liverpool City Council has agreed with West Tree Estates to renovate the properties on Ducie Street and Jermyn Street, in Toxteth, "to deliver high-quality homes and lasting improvements for the local community".

The agreement sees the properties returned to the council and brings to an end all previous outstanding disputes relating to the properties in L8.

It follows a lengthy period of uncertainty surrounding the site and allows the council to move forward with plans promising "practical, community-focused interventions".

Following the successful conclusion of lengthy negotiations, Liverpool City Council and West Tree Estates Limited issued a joint statement.

It read: "The terms of settlement remain confidential to the parties, but include the withdrawal of the forfeiture notices served by Liverpool City Council and the voluntary formal surrender of various leases by West Tree Estates Limited to Liverpool City Council."

The council has subsequently announced next-step plans: to secure the site with hoardings, remove a self-seeded and diseased tree, and clear any fly-tipped goods.

Detailed inspections of the properties, as well as engagement with residents, community groups and partners will follow - with the aim of agreeing "the best route to deliver affordable, good-quality homes, together with improvements to the public realm – at the earliest opportunity", the council said.

The council said it will initiate phased options for redevelopment, with a focus on transparency, sustainability and meeting local needs.

It added: "Progress will be delivered at pace to ensure early delivery of positive outcomes."