Decision details

This report updates the Executive as the critical milestones for delivering the development of Welborne approach in order that a corporate objective can be met.

This report provides an update to the Executive on the progress to date on the delivery of Welborne.  It sets out a number of delivery options, and recommends a new development strategy to secure comprehensive development of the Welborne area with a land acquisition and development partner approach. The report therefore seeks approval to commence the processes for the selection of a development partner and for compulsory purchase.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)    to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regulation to commence a selection process for a development partner to deliver an acceptable scheme that achieves the comprehensive development of the Welborne area in accordance with the Local Plan;

(b)    to note that the Director of Planning and Regulation will seek Executive approval for the appointment of a preferred development partner and the details of the proposed financial and commercial agreements to deliver the project at the appropriate time;

(c)    to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regulation to commence the Compulsory Purchase Order process necessary to secure the objectives of the Welborne Plan and bring forward comprehensive development in the Welborne area by the carrying out of land referencing, survey and other information gathering activities to establish the detailed type and scope of powers required and extent of interests likely to be affected;

(d)    to note that the Director of Planning and Regulation will seek Executive approval for the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order(s) at the appropriate time;

(e)    to resolve that the use of the Council’s compulsory purchase and associated powers (including but not limited to those under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Local Government Act 1972) to facilitate comprehensive development in the Welborne area would be justified in principle, subject to the Council being satisfied that the acquisition of each interest or right to be acquired is justified in the public interest;

(f)     to approve the promotion of, and seek grant funding opportunities for, the highways improvement works required at Junction 10 of the M27 motorway and the surrounding highway network required to secure the delivery of the comprehensive development of the Welborne area;

(g)    to delegate authority to the Director of Finance and Resources to acquire the interests identified, as set out in the confidential Appendix B, in the Welborne area in advance of a development partner being selected;

(h)   to note that the Director of Planning and Regulation will develop proposals for the future governance arrangements to oversee the progression of the Welborne Development Strategy (outlined in this report) and seek Executive and/or Council approval as appropriate;

(i)     to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regulation to procure appropriate external advisers to assist the Council in carrying out the above steps, subject to remaining within the overall approved budget provision for the project;

(j)      that subject to budgetary provision being made by the Executive as outlined in this report, to delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Regulation following consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Development, to undertake actions to progress the Welborne Development Strategy, including but not limited to incurring expenditure, entering into partnership working arrangements, seeking grant and other funding opportunities and working with the appropriate Highways and Planning Authorities and other relevant statutory bodies, provided that these actions remain within the overall approved budget and Local Plan framework for Welborne set by the Executive and Council respectively; and

(k)    that the Executive be provided with regular progress reports on the progression of the Welborne Development Strategy on a schedule to be agreed following consultation with the Leader and the Executive Member for Planning and Development.