Agenda item

Decision:

RESOLVED:               1)That officers seek to acquire the property voluntarily from the owners, and if after attempts to voluntarily acquire the property from the owners fail, to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the acquisition of the Land and its disposal at auction with appropriate conditions to secure its repair.

 

2) That all aspects of the process be delegated to the Executive Director or Assistant Director for Environment and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Development.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To confirm this is not a recommendation to Council, but a decision within Cabinet’s powers.

 

The building is Grade II Listed and categorised as a building at risk because of its poor condition. It is unoccupied and reasonable steps are not being taken to properly preserve the building. In its current state it is also considered detrimental to the character, appearance and general wellbeing of the village.

 

The Council considers that should voluntary acquisition fail, the compulsory purchase of the Land will facilitate the carrying out of restoration work which will secure the future of the listed building, make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area, and promote the social and environmental wellbeing of its area for the reasons explained in this report.

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report which sought approval for the Borough Council to make use of the powers available to local authorities under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (“the Act”), Section 47 and to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for 4 Ferry Square, West Lynn, King’s Lynn, PE34 3JQ (“the Land”) to enable it to be properly preserved and brought back into use.

 

It was noted that future damage to the property had been caused following recent storms.   Advice was given that the financial position of the owners would not affect the proposed action.

 

It was noted that the report was not for Council recommendation as published, but it had been clarified that it was within Cabinet’s powers to do so.

 

The Chair reported receipt of an email from Councillor Joyce, one of the Ward members, in support of the proposed course of action.

 

RESOLVED:               1)That officers seek to acquire the property voluntarily from the owners, and if after attempts to voluntarily acquire the property from the owners fail, to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the acquisition of the Land and its disposal at auction with appropriate conditions to secure its repair.

 

2) That all aspects of the process be delegated to the Executive Director or Assistant Director for Environment and Planning, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Development.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To confirm this is not a recommendation to Council, but a decision within Cabinet’s powers.

 

The building is Grade II Listed and categorised as a building at risk because of its poor condition. It is unoccupied and reasonable steps are not being taken to properly preserve the building. In its current state it is also considered detrimental to the character, appearance and general wellbeing of the village.

 

The Council considers that should voluntary acquisition fail, the compulsory purchase of the Land will facilitate the carrying out of restoration work which will secure the future of the listed building, make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area, and promote the social and environmental wellbeing of its area for the reasons explained in this report.

Supporting documents: