Issue - meetings

Members considered a report on the potential compulsory purchase of the Riverside Gateway at Carr Lane, Gainsborough, subject to final approval of the Orders at a future Corporate Policy and Resource Committee.

The site had been derelict for many years.  

The project at Riverside Gateway had received support from partnering organisations, and had ranked highly as an infrastructure project for the marina element.  However, this proposal would not include the marina land; only the residential land.

The location of the Gateway, and its potential could have a transformational change to the South West Ward in Gainsborough.  It could also support the Gainsborough Town Centre regeneration schemes.  The complication of the site was the current landowner, and the scope for them to deliver a scheme of this size.  There was also a disagreement between the landowner and WLDC over the valuation of the site.

It was important for Members to remember that Compulsory Purchase Orders should always be seen as a last resort.

Following comment from Councillors on certain aspects of the site, it was RESOLVED to:

(1)  Prepare the case in principle for a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for the acquisition of the site at Carr Lane, Gainsborough (known as Riverside Gateway – this would specifically exclude ‘marina’ land), subject to final approval of the draft at a future Corporate Policy and Resources Committee.

(2)  Approve a capital budget of up to £1,450,000 to acquire this site;

(3)  Approve that the Executive Director of Economic and Commercial Growth and the Executive Director of Resources, I consultation with the Chairmen of Prosperous Communities and Corporate Policy and Resources Committees, with the requisite legal representation be authorised to:

(a)  Acquire interests in the property by agreement;

(b)  Liaise with Homes England and any funders to pursue any funding mechanism to deliver the scheme;

(c)   Liaise with Muse as West Lindsey District Council’s Development Partner to carry forward with the development of a residential scheme;

(d)  Procure an alternative developer or contractor to carry forward the development of a residential scheme;

(e)  Take all necessary actions to give effect to these recommendations;

(f)    Approve a capital budget to acquire the land.