By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 14:00, Thursday, 20 November 2008

An estate agent says the Rickergate area of Carlisle has been “blighted” by uncertainty over Renaissance plans to redevelop the area.

Hitting price: The three-bedroomed home in Warwick Street, Carlisle, valued by H&H King

Richard Stronach, a senior valuer and director at H&H King, recently valued a three-bedroomed home in Warwick Street at £130,000 to £135,000.

He told the owner, Simon Osman, the property would almost certainly fetch £10,000 more if there was no threat that it might be demolished.

Mr Stronach’s valuation letter says: “It must be noted that the street was subject to recent discussions with regard to the Carlisle Renaissance and there was a successful campaign to keep these properties. This has, however, elevated a state of nervousness with regard to the resale value and the potential for them.

“We do consider that the street is still blighted. We have taken this into account when arriving at our valuation figure.”

Mr Osman was planning to sell the house but has now chosen to let it instead.

Mr Stronach’s comments add weight to the Save Our Streets campaign’s call for Carlisle City Council to end the uncertainty over Rickergate.

Although plans to bulldoze the area to make way for a plaza with shops, offices and a hotel have been dropped, the council has said it wants to draw up a development brief outlining long-term proposals for redevelopment.

In response to a question tabled by Mr Osman when the council met on November 4, council leader Mike Mitchelson confirmed this was still the council’s intention. He said: “The city council has not caused any blight on Rickergate. The area has been identified as one of the main areas for regeneration. We have looked in some detail at its potential and we will be preparing a planning brief for the area.

“As far as the Renaissance board is concerned, Rickergate isn’t a priority for action but as far as the council is concerned we are committed and have to prepare a planning brief within the life of the Carlisle local plan.”

Mr Osman has now written to Mr Mitchelson asking him to involve Save Our Streets in this process.

He says: “Will you finally then liaise directly with us on the production of this brief? Something which you have failed to do in the past.

“Save Our Streets and the residents of Rickergate know the area better than any consultant and could bring innovative ideas and expertise to the development process – that is if we are allowed to.”

Mr Mitchelson was unavailable to comment yesterday but it is understood that he has agreed to meet Save Our Streets to discuss Rickergate.

First published at 11:24, Thursday, 20 November 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk