Agenda item
Action to Return a Long-Term Derelict Property into use at 6 High Street, Gillingham ME7 1BB
Minutes:
Background:
This report requested Cabinet approval of the acquisition of 6 High Street, Gillingham ME7 1BB, through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and the disposal of the property, with conditions imposed to secure its refurbishment.
The report explained that the property was a three- storey terrace building located close to the Gillingham Community Hub and that it comprised a former retail unit at ground floor level and a flat on the first and second floor. The property was in very poor repair and condition and had been vacant since at least 2013. According to Land Registry records, the current freehold owner had owned the property since 4 December 2002.
The report was accompanied by an exempt appendix. This set out key information relating to the likely cost of purchasing the property via a CPO and other associated costs. It also detailed debts associated with the property.
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Decision number: |
Decision: |
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36/2022 |
The Cabinet agreed that the Council make a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) under the Acquisition of Land Act 1981 and s226(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for the acquisition of 6 High St Gillingham, for the purposes of the provision of housing accommodation, with a potential commercial use on the ground floor. |
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37/2022 |
The Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to the Director of Place and Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation the Portfolio Holder for Resources, to:
a) Delegate securing of funding for the CPO to officers.
b) Take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO, including the publication and service of notices and all other associated procedural steps.
c) Acquire the Property whether by voluntary agreement or compulsorily using the statutory powers set out in paragraph 8.1 of the report.
d) Once acquired, dispose of the Property by one of the two options set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report with appropriate conditions to secure its repair.
e) Suspend or abandon the CPO proceedings or withdraw an order on being satisfied that the Property will be satisfactorily renovated and re-occupied.
f) Take necessary action to deal with all matters relating to the payment of statutory compensation including, where required, instituting or defending proceedings.
g) Take all other necessary action to give effect to these recommendations. |
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38/2022 |
The Cabinet agreed to fund the CPO and related costs from the Regeneration Investment Fund Scheme in the current Capital Programme. |
Reasons:
The property is one of a number of similar abandoned and derelict buildings across Medway, which are being assessed and considered by officers in consultation with the Portfolio Holder.
The property has been derelict and empty for over 8 years, its condition has steadily deteriorated and is now proving to be detrimental to the character of the area and neighbourhood as well as being a waste of employment space and residential accommodation in an area with high housing demand.
Officers and external agencies have also been unable to locate the owner.
The property has attracted a number of complaints from local residents and therefore is having a detrimental effect on them, as it is affecting enjoyment of their properties. CPO action will allow the physical appearance of the property to be brought in line with neighbouring properties, thereby increasing the economic and social wellbeing of the area.
Works to enhance the appearance of the property will remove its current blighting effect and improve the local environment for neighbouring properties.
Re-occupation/ re-use would also reduce the likelihood of the property attracting anti-social behaviour, crime and vandalism.
The Council considers that the CPO will result in the property being brought back into use. The CPO is necessary and justified as last resort as this benefit could not be achieved by agreement.
Supporting documents:
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