Decision details

(a)   That the progress on the Heart of Slough Project generally and the current position on how far negotiations have progressed on the acquisition of the land, interests in the land and new rights in the land which are the subject of this report be noted.

 (b)   That the Council owned land hatched black on Plan 2 be appropriated to planning purposes pursuant to Section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order to advance the development of the proposed new Learning and Cultural Centre.

 (c)   That the Council make a Compulsory Purchase Order pursuant to Section 226 (1) (a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Section 13 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act1976 for the acquisition of the land and interests in the land which is shown coloured pink on Plan 3 and in respect of the acquisition of new rights over the land shown coloured blue on the said Plan 3, which is required for implementation of the proposed Learning and Cultural Centre.

 (d)  That the Strategic Director of Resources be authorised to:-

 (i) take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Order including the publication and service of all notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

(ii)  to acquire the land, the interests in the land and new rights within the Compulsory Purchase Order either by agreement or compulsorily.

(iii)where appropriate agreement has been reached to reduce or delete the plots of land which are the subject of the Compulsory Purchase Order as shown on Plan 3.

(iv)  to approve agreements with land owners and other interested parties setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the Compulsory Purchase Order.

 (e)   That the Acting Borough Secretary and Solicitor be authorised to prepare, approve and execute all the necessary documentation required throughout the CPO process including the transfer of the land and interests in the land to the Council and the settlement and litigation of any compensation claims.

 (f)  That in the event of a reorganisation of Council functions and the re-designation of posts the authorisations approved in paragraphs 2.2-2.5 (inclusive) will be transferred to those postholders who are responsible for the functions of Regeneration and Legal Services respectively.