Report backs first steps to CPO for controversial Revoe regeneration

Blackpool Council is looking to take steps in case it will need Compulsory Purchase Orders to get an ambitious but controversial regeneration project off the ground.

A campaigner against the Central Housing Regeneration Project, which includes bulldozing 300 homes in the Revoe area and replacing them with 230 modern houses, says the council is getting ready to take people’s homes whether the residents agree to it or not.

The council is reiterating its call for residents in the designated area to ask for support to find a new home, as soon as possible.

It comes as a report to the council’s Executive committee , which meets on Monday, is recommending the first steps to prepare for a possible use of Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers.

The report is the first of many steps before a CPO is needed and residents in the area are being reassured that this does not mean that a final decision on a CPO is being made or that any properties are being compulsory purchased at this time.

The report highlights strong progress in acquiring property for the central housing regeneration project, and outlines the need to prepare for the use of CPO powers if they are needed.

Any decision to formally use CPO powers would be subject to a further report and approval, with the earliest such decision expected in autumn 2026.

The council says it has been working closely with residents, businesses and property owners in the area over the past 14 months

So far, over three quarters of property owners have either agreed to sell their homes, or are actively negotiating.

This has so far resulted in:

More than one third (35.8%) of property interests have already been acquired, exchanged or agreed.

A further 41.6% have received valuation offers, with ongoing negotiations continuing.

Dedicated engagement teams have made over 2,400 contacts with households, with around 90% of households having had at least one conversation about their options and support available.

The council has also submitted a hybrid planning application for the area, which includes proposals to demolish 300 homes and build up to 230 new homes, new community spaces and improved public areas, as part of the wider plan to restore Central Drive back to its heyday.

Leader of Blackpool Council, Cllr Lynn Williams, says people have been calling for something to be done about Central Drive for years, and the regeneration project will transform the area and improve life for local people.

But campaigner Anna Penfold Sadler, who lives on Rydal Avenue and is also a member of community union Acorn, which is opposing the proposals, said: “The council is still trying to sweet talk people but is clearly preparing the way to take people’s homes away from them, against their will.

“This does not surprise me because the council has refused to listen all along. It wants this to happen, even if residents don’t and this is how it will try to do it.”

She said there were at least 50 residents who did not want the plans and were prepared to fight all the way to keep their homes.

Cllr Lynn Williams said: “For years now people have told us they want us to do something with Central Drive. This housing regeneration project is part of the wider vision to restore the neighbourhood to its heyday.

“This regeneration is vital and will bring real, long-term change to the third most deprived area in the country. Over three-quarters of owners are engaging with us already and many people have asked us for help and as a result found a better home while staying local.

“For people in the area, I appreciate that this might create a bit of worry. There is no need for them to panic. This is a first step, and making a CPO is not imminent. If people are concerned then we have a dedicated team at Ibbison Court to speak to people and help them find new homes. Help is available and I’d encourage everybody in the area to go and see the team.

“Our focus remains on reaching an agreement to buy the houses by negotiation. But this project will be worth nothing if we still have just one owner who won’t engage with us and this step means that we can prepare for that eventuality to deliver the new, high-quality homes and improved neighbourhoods that Blackpool residents deserve.”

Any formal decision to use CPO powers would be subject to further approval by the council’s Executive at a later date if it was deemed to be required.

The central housing regeneration project is part of a wider long-term plan to improve housing quality and life chances in Blackpool’s inner areas.

Blackpool has some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country, with many properties failing to meet modern housing standards.

The first phase of the project is supported by £90.4 million in Government funding through Homes England, covering land acquisition, demolition and future redevelopment.

The housing project is supplemented by work to create more jobs through investment in a new leisure scheme at Blackpool Central, more social housing at Foxhall Village and better community facilities at Blackpool Football Club and Revoe Park.

A key focus of the scheme is providing tailored support to people affected by the regeneration.

People currently living in the affected area are being encouraged to engage with the local team who can support with finding a new home and accessing compensation. The team are available at Ibbison Community Centre for general advice and a chat every Tuesday 9.00am to 4.30pm, Thursday 9.00am to 12noon and Friday 9.00am to 1.00pm.