Multiversity public inquiry closes without hearing from any objectors

A decision is not expected until early 2025

The site of the public inquiry for the Multiversity project

The inquiry into whether Blackpool Council will be allowed to force the sale of homes it wants to demolish for its Multiversity development has finished two days early.

Originally scheduled to run for eight days over two weeks, the hearing ultimately sat across just half of that time as none of the residents objecting to the plan chose to speak during the allotted time. One property owner - Robert Farrell - did ask to speak, but only in the moment immediately after the inquiry formally closed. He was therefore denied the opportunity at that point.

In the gap between each of the two scheduled weeks, half of the dozen objections were withdrawn as the residents instead agreed deals to sell their homes. Of those few remaining, the council maintains confidence it can agree deals with most without needing to use compulsory purchase order (CPO) powers.

Wednesday’s (4 December) session heard the council’s closing statement, in which Sarah Reid KC reiterated the benefits of the scheme and why the council felt it had met all of its obligations throughout the process.

Among the benefits listed were much needed regeneration and the improvement of education and career opportunities in the town, while she said the council had proved that not only was this location ideal, it was the only option available to achieve the necessary goals.

Robert Farrell. Credit: The Blackpool Lead

She concluded: “It is the council’s case that it is clear that the Multiversity scheme will contribute to achieving the promotion and improvement of the economic, social and environmental well – being of the area, and is critical to the regeneration of the town.

“The council has carefully taken into account the impact on those affected and sought to mitigate this wherever possible. However, compulsory purchase is necessary and proportionate as a measure of last resort to assemble the land required to deliver this vital scheme.”

The Blackpool Lead understands a decision is not expected into whether Blackpool Council can force the sales of the homes until early 2025. In the meantime, council bosses hope a CPO will not be necessary.

Subscribers to The Blackpool Lead will receive a full-length feature on the Multiversity project on Sunday.