We are sorry to report that progress on two major redevelopment projects in Gateacre is taking much longer than previously anticipated.

On the GATEACRE COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL SITE in Grange Lane, new government rules mean that demolition of the former school buildings cannot go ahead until explicit 'Section 1 Consent' has been obtained from the government. These rules were brought in nationally to encourage the formation of free schools, academies and university technical colleges. They apply to all school buildings, and the City Council has been told that it may be six months before a decision is made. Meanwhile we have been assured by Council officers that the '200 houses' target for the site is not hard and fast. Apart from the demolition consent which has already been applied for, separate 'Section 77 Consent' will be needed before any of the former playing fields can be disposed of - and this will require community consultation. A new planning application will also, of course, need to be drawn up and advertised before any redevelopment goes ahead.

On the GATEACRE PARK SHOPPING CENTRE SITE in Gateacre Park Drive, the owners Aldi Stores Ltd have found that the process of getting the existing utility services disconnected is not as straightforward as they had hoped, and there is also a major asbestos-removal job to be done before the existing buildings on the site can be demolished. It is likely to be 'months rather than weeks', we are told, before the work is carried out - though the company is under pressure from the police as well as local councillors to speed things up.