Demolition order for city flats

A demolition notice has been issued for a block of Derby flats at the centre of a development row.

Exeter House is on land earmarked for the £110m Cityscape regeneration scheme but residents have complained there has been no proper consultation.

The city council has now approved an initial demolition notice and officials have said they hope the site will be cleared in six months.

But some people living in the 41 flats have said they will refuse to go.

Wide benefits

Exeter House is mainly used for social housing but a handful of residents own their property.

The Cityscape plan would see it replaced by hotels, offices and apartments - but no developers have so far been appointed.

But some residents have complained the council has not kept them fully informed of the plans.

Dave Roberts, deputy leader of the city council, said the decision was inevitable.

"This is a strategic development for the whole of Derby and I'm afraid Exeter House would have to go.

"But it would be a consequence of something that is beneficial for the whole of the city."