Council sets date to discuss CPO of Victoria Avenue buildings - Southend Borough Council Article

August 13, 2014 by Joanna Harrison

Thursday 14th August 2014

Three special council meetings have been called for Tuesday 2nd September for councillors to consider using compulsory purchase powers to acquire Heath House and Carby House in Victoria Avenue.

Cabinet, Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee and Full Council will all take place to consider the important matter.

Cllr Ian Gilbert, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Cllr for Community Development, says: “The regeneration of Victoria Avenue is an urgent priority of the Council. This is a key gateway into the town and the redevelopment of these two buildings is absolutely vital.

“Whilst we will continue to try and negotiate with the landowners ahead of these meetings and any decisions, we have got to the stage where we must take firm action on what is an eyesore for the town.

“Therefore, these three meetings have been set up for councillors to consider the use of compulsory purchase powers to acquire Heath House and Carby House.

“Using CPO powers is long and complex and can take anything from eighteen months to two years and beyond to go through the legal process, so it is important that we get the ball rolling at the earliest opportunity.

“Having control of this land would provide a wonderful opportunity for the council and the local community for the major transformation of this area.  Action is well overdue and I am pleased that we are getting on with things.”

The meetings will take place as follows:

Cabinet – 5.00 p.m. in the Jubilee Room

Policy & Resources Committee – meeting to commence at 5.45 p.m. or the rising of Cabinet whichever is the later in the Council Chamber. Council - meeting to commence at 6.30 p.m. or the rising of the Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee whichever is the later in the Council Chamber. The reports will full details and recommendations will be published at the end of August.

For more information, please contact Southend Borough Council directly