Issue - meetings

To seek initial approval to the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to enable re-development of 11-12 High Street Wisbech

Members considered the Property Acquisition and Compulsory Purchase Order, Wisbech report presented by Councillor Oliver.

Councillor Oliver informed members that the report should be considered in conjunction with the separate detailed reports presented today at the earlier Cabinet and Full Council meeting. He explained that consideration of a Compulsory Purchase Order is, at this stage, to provide a fall-back position if current negotiations fail and seeks to avoid losing valuable time which could impact the use of the Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Councillor Oliver reminded members that they need to be satisfied that there is a compelling case in the public interest for compulsory purchase and that the proposed redevelopment, or improvement, is likely to contribute to the achievement of the promotion, or improvement, of the economic, social or environmental well-being of the Council’s area.

Members had no questions.

Cabinet AGREED:

·         To resolve in principle to make a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) for the acquisition of the land and interests within the area shown edged in red on the plan attached to the report for the purpose of enabling the carrying out of a scheme ( the “Scheme”) of development, redevelopment and improvement of part of the Wisbech town centre which comprises 11-12 High Street ( the Property”) the Cabinet are satisfied that;

(i) The acquisition will facilitate the carrying out of the development, redevelopment or improvement on or in relation to the land and,

(ii) The development, redevelopment or improvement is likely to contribute to the promotion or improvement of the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of its area;

·         To authorise the Growth, Heritage and Community Safety Portfolio Holder in conjunction with relevant Corporate Directors:

(i) Take all necessary steps to settle the Statement of Reasons, and to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Order including the publication and service of all notices and plans and the presentation of the Council's case at any Public Inquiry;

(ii) To acquire interests in land within the Compulsory Purchase Order either by agreement or compulsorily; and

(iii) Reach agreement or undertakings with land owner(s) setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the Compulsory Purchase Order, where appropriate seeking exclusion of land from the Compulsory Purchase Order;

·         That the Growth, Heritage and Community Safety Portfolio Holder in conjunction with relevant Corporate Directors are authorised to conduct all negotiations and settle all terms as may be necessary in order to progress and complete any further agreements to be made in respect of the development to enable the delivery of the Scheme.