Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This seeks approval for the Council to use its powers to appropriate the land required for the New Avenue development for planning purposes. (Key decision – reference number 4256)

(Report No.197)

(8.40 – 8.45 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director – Regeneration and Environment) seeking approval for the Council to use its powers to appropriate the land required for the New Avenue development for planning purposes.

NOTED

1.               That this was a significant regeneration scheme with the provision of over 400 new homes, as outlined in paragraph 3.2 of the report.

2.               The importance of appropriating the land required for the New Avenue development for planning purposes to ensure that delivery of the scheme was not delayed. Similar reports had previously been approved for other regeneration schemes in the Borough, as outlined in the report.

3.               The financial implications set out in section 6 of the report. The costs associated with appropriating the land required for planning purposes would be covered by the Development Partner.

4.               The increasing pressures on Councils for the provision of affordable housing. The Council was achieving significant regeneration and housing provision in the Borough despite the continuing financial pressures being faced by the Council. The Council was being creative in its approach. Members extended their thanks and appreciation to the officers involved for their valued hard work in achieving the Council’s objectives.

5.               Councillor Charalambous expressed his support for the regeneration scheme and in so doing highlighted the continued need for the provision of adequate green space as part of the regeneration schemes.

6.               Councillor Orhan took this opportunity to praise the Dujardin scheme and noted the positive impact that this would have on Ponders End. Congratulations and thanks were extended to all those who had been involved in the development of the scheme.

Alternative Options Considered: No alternative options were considered regarding procurement of land for planning purposes.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed that in accordance with section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 the land required for the completion of the New Avenue Estate Regeneration Programme (detailed in appendix A of the report) should be appropriated from their present holding purpose to planning purposes and in particular the purposes of section 237 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Reason: All the bidders had requested that any Development Agreement entered into with the Council included a requirement, as a condition precedent, for the Council to use its powers to appropriate the land for planning purposes. Failure to appropriate the land for planning purposes would at least delay the project and could even put the development at risk.

(Key decision – reference number 4256)