Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 19, 2025

Purpose:

Content: The Executive agreed the recommendations as outlined above namely:   1.     To note the progress on the delivery of Central Housing Regeneration programme.   2.     To resolve as a matter of principle, that the Council would be prepared to use its Compulsory Purchase powers pursuant to section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to acquire land within the area shown edged blue on the plan at Appendix 2a to the Executive report, comprising Phase 1 of the Project (“Phase 1 Area”), should other options be exhausted.   3.     To authorise the Director of Communications and Regeneration to continue negotiations to acquire the land and interests required within Phase 1 Area by private treaty and to approve and enter into agreements with the owners and/or occupiers of the land so as to facilitate its acquisition.   4.     To authorise the Director of Communications and Regeneration, as part of the ongoing land referencing exercise, to issue requisitions for information under the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 to identify persons who have a potential legal interest in or who occupy the area in respect of which compulsory purchase powers may be used.   5.     To note that Compulsory Purchase Order Guidance will be followed during negotiations. This reflects that the Council may, as a last resort, carry out a Compulsory Purchase Order and thus early adoption of the Compulsory Purchase Order Guidance is fair and ensures transparency for all those within the Phase 1 Area   6.     To authorise the Director of Communications and Regeneration to: •       continue to undertake masterplanning, design and environmental work; •       continue with community engagement and consultation; •       undertake activity required to enable the submission of one, or more, planning applications.   7.     To resolve that any land acquired by the Council by private treaty within the Phase 1 Area in order to facilitate Phase 1 of the Project shall be acquired for planning purposes pursuant to section 227 Town and Country Planning Act 1990   8.     To note that Officers will be required to bring further reports to the Executive to authorise the preparing and subsequent making of a Compulsory Purchase Order should such powers be required.