To approve the purchase of property outside of the South Wye Transport Package – A4194 Southern Link Road Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO”) as the criteria for discretionary purchase under section 246(2A) of the Highways Act 1980 are met and there is a business case for acquisition as set out in Appendix 1 (exempt) and it will assist the successful delivery of the southern link road (SLR). The report is in response to a specific request to purchase a property outside of the CPO area.

That:

(a)    The council uses statutory powers under section 246(2A) of the Highways Act 1980, as inserted by section 62(2) of the Planning and Compensation Act 1991 to purchase by agreement property not included in the south wye transport package – A4194 southern link road CPO if  there is a justified business case for doing so;   

(b)    The acting director for economy and place be delegated authority, following consultation with the chief finance officer, cabinet member contracts and assets and cabinet member infrastructure, to agree terms and complete the purchase of the property as detailed in Appendix 1 of this report (exempt). and;

(c)   That the land acquisition budget of £1.8m approved by cabinet on 16November 2017 be increased to £2m and contained within the overall capital budget for the SWTP of £35m.

1                 Not to use the powers available to the council. This is not recommended because it could adversely impact the scheme in a number of ways i.e. delay delivery programme, increase project costs, prevent meeting of external funding conditions. It could also result in individual personal hardship to residential property owners.