A block of council flats is set to be demolished after major structural issues caused by ground instability appeared.
North Yorkshire Council has agreed that the block at 1 to 7 Princess Close, Ripon, should be knocked down.
Imogen Downie, the council’s housing policy and strategy officer, said in a report:
"The building at Princess Close is structurally compromised due to geological instability.
"Extensive investigations confirm that the site is affected by peat compression, gypsum dissolution, and drainage failure.
"Demolition is recommended as the most appropriate course of action to mitigate on-going risk and liability.”
The report noted that the conditions presented “an ongoing and unpredictable risk of structural failure”.
The council said the building remained a hazard despite being unoccupied.
The structural issues were first noticed in 2023 when cracking on the outside of the building and signs of movement were spotted.
The block will be the third in the area to be demolished due to stability issues, with flats on the opposite side of the road pulled down in 2009 and 2010.
A nearby building in Magdalen’s Close was demolished in 2014 after a sinkhole caused by gypsum dissolution appeared.
In 2016, a second large sinkhole occurred in nearby Magdalen’s Road, resulting in the evacuation of seven properties and emergency ground stabilisation works.
Historical records indicate the presence of a diverted watercourse called Skittergate Gutter and a sulphur spring approximately 50m east of the site.
Council experts say these features are indicative of underlying gypsum deposits, which are known to dissolve in the presence of water, forming voids and subsidence hollows.
The British Geological Survey confirmed that the site lies within a high-risk subsidence zone.
Council officer estimated that it would cost £200,000 to carry out remedial work to the block, although there was a high risk of further structural problems in the future.
Demolition of the flats will cost around £70,000. Council officers will look at possible future uses of the site.
Marie Curie appeals for Harrogate volunteers this summer
Boroughbridge clinic celebrates hat-trick of industry awards
New day service for people with complex needs opens at Rossett School
Call for review after Allerton Waste Recovery Park misses targets for seventh consecutive year
Harrogate MP welcomes £2 bus fare cap but calls for further reforms
Yorkshire's biggest ever pug meet to be held at Harewood House
Bin fires prompt call for public to dispose of batteries responsibly
Knaresborough Mayor to open town's first padel venue
New award launched to find Yorkshire's best pub
Vale of York services given go-ahead despite "rape of countryside" claim
Traffic to use new A59 Kex Gill route for first time tomorrow
Annual Tour de Aky set to hit £10,000 target
Harrogate bus staff nominated for national award
Parking warning issued after Burnsall car park closes
Spire Harrogate Clinic earns top housekeeping award
Otley music studio launches six-week daytime courses
New guide helps families find free and low-cost summer fun
Much-loved Slingsby Gin becomes new Festivals' partner
Princess Royal to become Great Yorkshire Show President
Concern over lack of consultation ahead of Lifeline cuts decision
