Agenda item

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

Recommendations:-

1.      That approval be given to invoke a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the acquisition of the remaining leasehold interest at Unit 1 Riverside Precinct Rotherham.

2.      That the Assistant Director Planning Regeneration and Transport, in conjunction with The Assistant Director of Legal Services, prepare and publish the Order.

3.      That the Assistant Director Planning Regeneration and Transport continue to negotiate a purchase by agreement with the leaseholder whilst the Compulsory Purchase order process is ongoing.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval to invoke a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the acquisition of the remaining leasehold interest at Unit 1, Riverside Precinct, Corporation Street, Rotherham, should a purchase by agreement not be forthcoming.

Acquisition of the remaining leasehold interest would facilitate the development of Forge Island.  Every effort was being made to work with the leaseholder and alternative premises had been offered.  Negotiations were ongoing and it was hoped these would be successful to enable the Council to move forward.  However, should negotiations not be successful, the Compulsory Purchase Order process would be taken forward.

The process was not seeking to put a leaseholder out of business, but was more about suitable relocation and the appropriate level of recompense in a similar vein to other leaseholders in that same area.

Resolved:-  (1)  That a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) be invoked for the acquisition of the remaining leasehold interest at Unit 1 Riverside Precinct Rotherham.

(2)  That the Assistant Director Planning Regeneration and Transport, in conjunction with The Assistant Director of Legal Services, prepare and publish the Order.

(3)  That the Assistant Director Planning Regeneration and Transport continue to negotiate a purchase by agreement with the leaseholder whilst the Compulsory Purchase order process is ongoing.