Agenda item

To update the Cabinet on steps taken by the owner of the property 85 Whitton Road

Twickenham towards its renovating and to obtain authority for its compulsory

purchase in the event that satisfactory progress is not made.

Cabinet heard representations from Richard Newman, owner of 85 Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW1 1BT which included the following points:

-          he had requested a delay of 6 months in the CPO proceedings so that he could submit and obtain planning permission to assist with the sale of the house.

-          he was concerned that a CPO obtained against the property would have a detrimental effect upon the sale of the property.

-          he disagreed with the comments contained in paragraph 2.3 of the report i.e. that there was a “slowing of recent progress” he felt that the momentum of the sale of the property was gathering pace.

-          confirmed his enthusiasm in wishing to sell the property and was at the mercy of planning and marketing systems.

-          he noted the views of nearby home owners (paragraph 2.4 of the report) i.e. their wish for the Council to use its CPO powers against his property.

-          the house was not currently on the market as he wished to obtain planning permission prior to marketing it for sale.

-          the house was not in a good state of repair to allow people to view the property (for sales purposes).

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Housing commented that the matter had been adjourned for 2 months for technical reasons. Councillor Urquhart stated that Members had recognised Mr Newman’s efforts in this matter and commented that he should continue to work with the Council.

The Leader of the Council stated that Cabinet had recognised Mr Newman’s good intentions with regards the sale of his property and invited officers and Mr Newman to continue with the active dialogue that had been established to make progress.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.         Cabinet approve, subject to recommendation  5 (below) the making of a compulsory purchase order (“CPO”) under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) on the land and buildings known as 85 Whitton Road Twickenham and its submission to the relevant Government office for confirmation.

2.         Cabinet approve that the Council proceed with its acquisition by use of General Vesting Declarations;

3.         Cabinet approve delegated authority to the Director of Environment to settle the compensation payable in acquiring the properties; and

4.         Cabinet approve delegated authority to the Director of Environment to dispose of the property on the open market, including by auction, with the sale documentation to include conditions, in a form approved by the Head of Legal and Electoral Services, requiring the new owner to renovate the property to the satisfaction of the Head of Environmental Services and so that it meets the Decent Homes Standard and is ready for occupation within a specified time.

5.         authority be delegated to the Director of Adult and Community Services to suspend the progress of the compulsory purchase procedure in respect of the property, if she is satisfied that the owner is taking appropriate action to restore its condition and return it to residential use and to withdraw the resolution to compulsory purchase in the

       event of the property being satisfactorily restored.