To approve the making of necessary orders to expedite the purchase and subsequent development of 16 – 18 High Town, Hereford.

THAT:

(a)       approval be given to commence the making of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for 16-18 High Town Hereford (in accordance with the order document attached at appendix A), under the council’s statutory powers of compulsory acquisition.

The current dilapidated state of the site is considered to be a blight on the city centre.

A CPO would enable the council to purchase and redevelop the site, thereby remedying the situation.

Authority to effect the purchase was delegated by cabinet to the director for economy, communities and corporate.

No alternative is suggested as all reasonable time and assistance has been given to the current owner/liquidator to encourage the sale and redevelopment of the site.