Issue - meetings

Option 1.

To agree in principle to the use of Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 to acquire the CPO land by way of CPO and that a final report, having completed all necessary legal enquiries and with all necessary documentation be presented to cabinet for formal approval for submission to the Secretary of State; and to identify if any development or housing association partner would wish to enter into an indemnity agreement to underwrite the costs of the CPO process; and that the Director of Neighbourhoods be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member to negotiate, agree and complete the purchase of the CPO land up to the current open market valuation at the point of purchase if concluded prior to the final report being prepared.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Housing explained that the Council’s Empty Property Strategy had previously been approved. Empty and derelict properties had an adverse impact on communities and this report was the last resort in a long process of attempting to engage with the owner of the property which had been derelict since 2004. No progress with the owner had ben made. There were also other properties in other parts of the Island which would be considered for the same process. The local member spoke in support of the recommendation.

The Corporate Scrutiny Committee had noted the recommendations in the report.