AN EYESORE gateway into Kidderminster could finally be transformed after council bosses threatened to seize ownership of the site.

The land on Market Street, which used to house the former British Heart Foundation (BHF) store, has lay derelict since 2011 and Wyre Forest District Council said it’s keen to see it redeveloped.

And bosses warned the authority will use compulsory purchase orders if necessary to purchase and tidy the area up.

The old BHF shop, along with the former Levines retail unit, burnt down in 2011 and the area has remained vacant ever since.

Council bosses are in talks with Kidderminster College, who currently own the Levines site, about its future.

But, as yet, no proposals have been put forward from the unnamed owner of the old BHF shop for the land although discussions between him and the authority are now taking place.

Councillor Ian Hardiman, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration said: “I’m pleased that action by the council has now prompted a positive dialogue with the landowner of the former British Heart Foundation site and very much hope that he can bring forward its redevelopment.

“We want to make sure that the landowner continues with his commitment and for that reason I’m asking the cabinet to authorise the use of compulsory purchase if the site is not redeveloped.

“We think that it is reasonable to expect the owner to have obtained planning permission and begun work on site within an 18 month period, but if he doesn’t then the council is prepared to begin action to acquire the site ourselves.

“This is a key gateway into the town and it cannot be allowed to remain the eyesore that it has been for the last few years.”

A report going to cabinet on Tuesday, July 17, proposes the owner be given six months to make a planning application of the site and then a further 12 months to begin work.

If either deadline is missed the council will begin to acquire the site and use compulsory purchase if necessary.

The matter will be discussed at overview and scrutiny committee on July 5 prior to the cabinet meeting.