Agenda item

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This sets out an indicative scheme proposal and preferred option for consideration. (Report No.140, agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 4119)

(Report No.138)

(8.55 – 9.00 pm)

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Housing Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.138) setting out an indicative scheme proposal and preferred option.

NOTED

1.               That Report No.140 also referred as detailed in Minute No.19 below.

2.               A tabled amendment to recommendation 2.1 of the report with the addition of: “The final details of the scheme including the investment decision, will be brought back to Cabinet for a decision at a later date.” Decision 1 below reflects this amendment.

3.               That the Council was committed to the provision of new homes; the proposed redevelopment scheme could deliver over 100 new homes, community space, replacement retail space and public realm improvements.

4.               The proposed approach to the engagement of local stakeholders as set out in the report.

5.               The traffic and parking constraints as detailed in the report which were being considered as part of the scheme development. Members and Officers were mindful of the issues and concerns in this regard.

6.               That compulsory purchase powers would only be used as a last resort should the Council fail to acquire property interests by negotiation, as detailed in the report.

7.               The authorisation sought for serving initial Demolition Notices, as set out in decision 3 below, and the implications of this. In was anticipated that a planning application would be made in the summer of 2016.

8.               In response to concerns raised regarding traffic flows in the area, Ian Davis (Director of Regeneration and Environment) confirmed that studies were already being undertaken on traffic issues in the area.

9.               Councillor Orhan (Cabinet Member for Education, Children’s Services and Protection) highlighted the need for Children’s Services to be fully consulted on the educational aspects of the development prior to any decisions being made. In was important for the Departments to work together in moving the proposals forward.

Alternative Options Considered: NOTED the alternative options which had been considered as set out in full in section 4 of the report, including: Do Nothing; Redevelopment of 1-12a Beck House in isolation; and, scheme without Raynham Road Car Park.

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

1.               Authorise the initiation of a comprehensive housing led redevelopment scheme within the plan set out in appendix 1 of the report. The final details of the scheme including the investment decision, would be brought back to Cabinet for a decision at a later date.

2.               Note the approach to engage stakeholders, including affected residents, set out in paragraph 3.33 of the report.

3.               Authorise the serving of initial Demolition Notices in accordance with Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985 with immediate effect (subject to call-in).

4.               Resolve to use Compulsory Purchase powers under section 226 1 (a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) should the Council fail to acquire property interests by negotiation within the boundary of the proposed development land, on the assumption that a Compulsory Purchase Order be confirmed.

5.               Delegate authority to the Director – Regeneration and Environment, acting in consultation with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, to make a Compulsory Purchase Order if required in respect of the land shown on the plan set out in Appendix 2 of the report, to effect acquisition of property interests within the areas on each site described in the report and shown on the Plans “The Order Land”.

6.               Delegate authority to the Director – Regeneration and Environment, acting in consultation with the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services, to finalise the Statement of Reasons, and take all the necessary steps consequent to the making of any Compulsory Purchase Order:

(a)  To publish any Compulsory Purchase Order, referred to within this report, to seek confirmation of the Secretary of State and if confirmed, implement the Order.

(b)  To continue negotiations with owners of property interests within the Order Land and acquire such property interests by agreement.

Reason: There was a strong case for progressing with a comprehensive regeneration scheme for the land on Upton Road and Raynham Road, based on a number of economic, social and environmental factors which were contained within the report.

(Key decision – reference number 4119)