'Eyesore' building will stay put

Ecotricity wants to build a new HQ for its 180 staff

A derelict building in Stroud described as an "eyesore" and a "blot on the landscape" has avoided demolition.

The government said it would not approve a compulsory purchase order to let Stroud District Council acquire Tricorn House from Millville Ltd.

The council want to force the owners to sell it so power company Ecotricity can bulldoze it and build new headquarters.

The compulsory purchase order was turned down because Ecotricity did not have the correct planning permission.

Ecotricity currently occupies three buildings in the town but says it is bursting at the seams and needs a new headquarters for its 180 staff.

'Guaranteed purchase'

It wants to knock the existing building down and construct an "iconic" building which is as energy-efficient as possible.

Ecotricity owner Dale Vince said: "When we sat at the public inquiry the inspector was assured by the head of planning at Stroud that the proposals we'd made were suitable and he could see no reason why we wouldn't get planning consent.

"I am sure we can get planning consent and can enter into the legal agreement he [the inspector] said we should have.

"I'm meeting with the council again and I've told them I'm willing to go back in the the compulsory purchase order route if they are, early in the new year."

In a statement Stroud District Council said: "We are disappointed that the compulsory purchase of this property has been put on hold by this decision.

"The building is a local eyesore and a target for antisocial behaviour.

"We were advised of the decision and are studying the report and consulting with our partner before we consider our options.

Last December planners refused an application from the owners to refurbish the building.

The proposal was for shops on the ground floor of the two wings facing Westward Road and a fourth storey to be added to the building alongside a new block at the rear.

Councillors unanimously decided to refuse the application on the grounds of poor design and a lack of privacy for nearby residents