New housing plan for Chester flats damaged in explosion

Dec 2 2009 by David Holmes, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER & District Housing Trust has now confirmed flats damaged by an explosion will be pulled down along with an adjacent block.

A first floor flat was destroyed in a fireball at the Hoole Lane complex with tenant Sidney Thomas charged with arson with intent to endanger the lives of his neighbours and causing £150,000 damage.

Now the Trust has been confirmed those flats and neighbouring flats, still occupied by six residents, will be demolished to make way for a multi-million pound scheme.

Housing Trust spokesman Dave Soothill, said: “An options appraisal for Hoole Lane has gone to CDHT Development Group for consideration and it has been decided to release the whole site for development. “The site is currently being investigated to ensure that it is used for the greater benefit of CDHT residents and also the wider community.”

He said a dedicated staff member was working with existing tenants who must be rehoused.

“We are currently in the process of appointing the architect to take the project forward with an anticipated start date of 2011.”