Issue - meetings

[To authorise the acquisition of the property by negotiation or by the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order]

1.       That the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of 78 – 80 Byrne Road, Blakenhall, Wolverhampton. WV2 3DP property, and, in default of that acquisition, give authority for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Part II Section 17 Housing Act 1985 in respect of the property.

2.       That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the property, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within this programme be approved.

3.       That in the event that the property is improved and re-occupied to the satisfaction of the Service Director for City Housing, authorise withdrawal of the property from the CPO.

4.       That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied with in six or 12 months (as appropriate to the scale of the works).

5.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to:

a.          Take all reasonable steps as soon as it is reasonably practical to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

b.          Approve agreements with the owners of the property setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the CPO, and/or making arrangements for re-housing or relocation of any occupiers.

c.           Approve the making of a General Vesting Declaration (the property is brought into Council ownership via this process).

d.          Approve the disposal of the whole and/ or parts of the property by auction, tender or private treaty.     

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the report which sought approval to authorise the acquisition of privately owned empty properties 78 - 80 Byrne Road, Blakenhall, Wolverhampton by agreement or Compulsory Purchase.

The proposal would ensure that the property provides much needed housing by prompting the owner either act voluntarily or via enforcement through a CPO; ensure that the property does not continue to be visually detrimental to the area and does not continue to attract anti-social behaviour/ fly tipping; and ensure that the property has a positive financial impact on the public purse through additional New Homes Bonus funding and removing the on-going expenditure arising from anti-social behaviour.

Resolved:

1.       That the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of 78 – 80 Byrne Road, Blakenhall, Wolverhampton. WV2 3DP property, and, in default of that acquisition, authority be granted for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Part II Section 17 Housing Act 1985 in respect of the property.

2.       That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the property, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within this programme be approved.

3.       That in the event that the property is improved and re-occupied to the satisfaction of the Service Director for City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4.       That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied with in six or 12 months (as appropriate to the scale of the works).

5.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to:

a.          Take all reasonable steps as soon as it is reasonably practical to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

b.          Approve agreements with the owners of the property setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the CPO, and/or making arrangements for re-housing or relocation of any occupiers.

c.           Approve the making of a General Vesting Declaration (the property is brought into Council ownership via this process).

d.          Approve the disposal of the whole and/ or parts of the property by auction, tender or private treaty.