Tower block demolition decision to be re-examined
BBCA decision to demolish an 18-storey tower block and rehouse its elderly residents is to be re-examined next week.
South Tyneside Council's Labour cabinet recently unanimously agreed plans for the future of Durham Court, the last remaining residential high-rise building in Hebburn.
The block, built in 1974, was deemed to have outlived its "original intended lifespan" of 50 years and that carrying out repairs costing an estimated £12m were not worth it.
But the decision to tear it down will now go before a council scrutiny committee on 9 June after concerns were raised.
This means a public meeting of the panel will be held to decide whether the move should be referred back to the cabinet for reconsideration.
The request for the call-in was recently signed by opposing councillors from across the political board, including South Tyneside Alliance Group (STAG) representatives, independents and one Green Group councillor.
STAG's Andrew Guy said the demolition would be an "appalling mistake".
"This is about proper accountability," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"Decisions of this scale shouldn't be signed off without full and open consideration of the long-term impact on residents, services and public investment."
It was previously revealed that if the demolition goes ahead residents would face the upheaval of being rehoused over a possible five-year period.
However, the Labour-led local authority has promised tenants it will find new homes for them in Hebburn.
Speaking in May, council leader Tracey Dixon said: "We will ensure right from the very beginning that the tenants will be given the homes of their choice.
"It's all about giving them priority.
"We know Durham Court is their family home, so we're here to support them and make sure they lead healthy and happy lives."