Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:-

1.    Authorises the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport to negotiate the acquisition by agreement of the property interests in Appendix 1 Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 and within the available funding, in consultation with the Council’s S.151 Officer, Assistant Director - Legal Services, the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, and the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment.

2.    Grants a Resolution in Principle to investigate the use of powers, under either the Compulsory Purchase Order or Transport and Works Act Order, to acquire the necessary property interests.

Consideration was given to the report which noted that connectivity was the key to unlocking employment opportunities and investment opportunities. Economic and regeneration development would be stifled without having a good transport network.

In March 2022, Cabinet approved the acquisition of one property and since then work had continued to design the station and the Masterplan had progressed. Additional land requirements had been identified as essential. The report provided an update on that project and sought approval to acquire land needed to deliver the new mainline station. It sought approval to acquire four additional properties, two were essential for the station and two more which would be beneficial and could potentially become essential as the project developed.

The Leader felt it was the most significant project for the Rotherham economy that the Council was able to undertake at the current time. If agreement from Government and the necessary funding was put in place it would have a massive impact on the opportunities for jobs and leisure for Rotherham’s residents. He noted that the Council was some way off delivering the scheme in the way it was hoped, there was funding that was secured through the Town’s deal to start pulling the site together hence these proposals were being considered. It was national infrastructure meaning it was not within the Council’s gift to be able to deliver the whole scheme, but it was something the Council would continue to press Government for.

The Assistant Director, Planning, Regeneration & Transport noted it was part of the long-term strategy and plan but highlighted that the report covered the next steps and timelines. The outline business case was being compiled, working with Network Rail and other key partners to get it in a position to be submitted early next year.

Resolved: That Cabinet:

1.    Authorised the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport to negotiate the acquisition by agreement of the property interests in Appendix 1 Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 and within the available funding, in consultation with the Council’s S.151 Officer, Assistant Director, Legal Services, the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, and the Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment.

2.    Granted a Resolution in Principle to investigate the use of powers, under either the Compulsory Purchase Order or Transport and Works Act Order, to acquire the necessary property interests.