Liverpool city council has approved plans to demolish the birthplace of former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr.
Nine Madryn Street, which is located in the Toxteth area of the city, was home to Starr, real name Richard Starkey, until he was four. It is among 271 houses in a run-down area known as the “Welsh Streets”, which will be demolished as part of regeneration proposals.
The move comes despite bids to save the property.
Housing minister Grant Shapps had appealed for the homes to be renovated rather than demolished, and opponents have claimed that the building is of historical significance and has tourism value.
However, English Heritage last year turned down a request to preserve the house, ruling that it has no association with the success of the Beatles.
Local residents have also appealed to the council to demolish what they called “damp slums”.
Communities secretary Eric Pickles must now consider a request by campaigners for a full environmental assessment before the area is demolished.
Liverpool city council leader Joe Anderson said: “A majority of the local community have expressed support for our plans since we started consulting on this plan over a decade ago. They are sick of living in poky, damp infested properties.
“I pledged last year that if a developer came forward with a viable proposal to retain the Welsh Streets then we would look seriously at their plans. I am sorry to say that this has not happened. It is simply not fair to keep the local community in limbo any longer.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
To access all EGi news stories and commercial property data sign up for a free trial today, or visit the subscription options page to find out more.
