To secure approvals to continue the delivery phase of the Purfleet Centre Regeneration Project including the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Powers.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration introduced the report highlighting the aim to provide an update on the Purfleet Centre Project and to secure a range of approvals to ensure that the Project can continue into the next stage.

He continued to highlight the importance of developing on brownfield land, of ensuring infrastructure is delivered at an early point in the scheme and of engaging the community and considered the Purfleet scheme meets these objectives.  Phase 1 of programme was to enable significant infrastructure, such as the replacement of the level crossing at Purfleet Station, development of the town centre and providing a new Integrated Medical Centre for 2020.

Councillor Coxshall further highlighted that the 2,850 homes proposed were to be developed on brown field land, and this was to include a secondary school due to open in 2019 and a primary school to follow in due course.

The importance of community involvement was discussed, the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration stated the local community were encouraged and had engaged with the programme from day one.

Councillor Halden congratulated the Portfolio Holder on his report. He continued by seconding the importance of community engagement within the programme. He further mentioned the importance of the council working with other partners to ensure any project was completed on time.

The Leader also commented on the importance of engaging with local communities and residents, when working on a project such as Purfleet. He continued to commend Councillor Coxshall and thanked officers for the report.

RESOLVED that Cabinet are asked to:

a)    Noted progress on the Purfleet Centre Project;

b)    Agreed these recommendations on the basis that a full Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) can only be made by Cabinet at a future Cabinet meeting;

c)    Resolved as a matter of principle, that the Council is prepared to use its compulsory purchase powers pursuant to section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to acquire land to deliver the comprehensive regeneration of Purfleet Centre;

d)    Noted that the regeneration team is progressing negotiations to acquire the land and interests required by private treaty and to delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration to approve and enter into agreements with the owners and/or occupiers of the land so as to facilitate its acquisition;

e)    Noted the progress on the land referencing exercise and, if required, delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Assistant Director of Law and Governance to issue requisitions for information pursuant to section 5A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 to persons who have a potential legal interest in or who occupy the area in respect of which compulsory purchase powers are proposed to be used;

f)     Authorised the regeneration team under the direction of the Corporate Director, Place to undertake the work needed to prepare for the making of a possible Compulsory Purchase Order(s)(CPO) together with the associated documentation;

g)    Delegated authority to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration to finalise and enter into the CPO Indemnity Agreement;

h)    Resolved that any land acquired by the Council by private treaty within the area shown red on the plan at Appendix 1 in order to facilitate the Purfleet Centre Project shall be acquired for planning purposes pursuant to section 227 Town and Country Planning Act 1990;

i)     Noted that pursuant to sections 203 and 204 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016, land acquired under sections 226 or 227 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 may then be developed and used in accordance with planning permission for the proposed scheme notwithstanding any interference with any subsisting interests, rights or restrictions (subject to the payment of compensation calculated in accordance with sections 7 and 10 of the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965);

j)     In the event that Blight Notices under section 150 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 are served upon the Council, delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and the Director for Law and Governance to acquire land or reject the Blight Notices as appropriate;

k)    Delegated authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, the Assistant Director for Law and Governance and the Council’s section 151 Officer to grant any approvals necessary in order to allow the Purfleet Centre Project to progress.

Reason for Decision – as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in