THE city council could step in to buy a derelict church with the aim of bringing it back into use.
Planning councillors are recommending their cabinet colleagues agree to the principle of acquiring the George Lamb Memorial Chapel in Lambert Street, off Newland Avenue, west Hull.
In June, the Mail revealed how the crumbling grade two listed building was among a number of run-down properties owned by Hull GP Dr Rajeev Raut.
He secured planning permission to convert the old chapel into flats in 2008.
Three years ago, he was granted an extension to a deadline for the conversion to start but, as yet, little work has been carried out.
Some limited demolition was completed recently but only after the council served an enforcement notice because of safety concerns.
Now, planning councillors have decided to support moves to either buy the property by agreement or issue a compulsory purchase order.
It is believed the council has secured interest in the building from a third party in the event of acquiring it.
Councillor Alan Clark said buying the chapel was a "reasonable step" provided any costs incurred by the council were recovered in any subsequent agreement to bring the building back into use.
Councillor John Fareham said restoring the chapel's historic features by paving the way for a long overdue facelift could also provide new jobs and training opportunities.
In an accompanying report for this week's planning committee meeting, cabinet member Councillor Martin Mancey said: "It is important for the council, where it is able, to help to facilitate the restoration of listed buildings and bring them back into use.
"Clearly, it would be unrealistic for the council to acquire a significant number of listed buildings without a clear exit strategy.
"The George Lamb Memorial Chapel has been on the council's listed building at risk register since 1999.
"The planning committee has given consent for conversion to self-contained flats but this permission has not been fully implemented.
"As a result, to protect and bring back into use the building, it is appropriate the council seek to acquire the property through exercising its compulsory purchase order powers.
"This is further supported by the strong interest from a reputable third party in wanting to convert the building."
