Decision details

Delivery of Phase 1 of the A29 realignment scheme is dependent on land purchase and land being dedicated for highways use.  Discussions with the developers of the scheme  and Land Agent representatives are ongoing but there is always a possibility that agreement might not be reached, or only reached outside of the programme required by the County Council to meet its obligations under Local Enterprise Partnership funding and planning permission.

As a precaution, the County Council is undertaking preparation for initiating the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) process which would require the determination of land and rights to be acquired, land valuations, and negotiations direct with landowners. If objections are received to the CPO a Public Inquiry may be required.

It is necessary, therefore, to potentially allow the CPO process to begin, whilst WSCC continues to support and encourage a negotiated settlement route with the developers and landowners.

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport will be asked to authorise the Director of Law and Assurance to proceed with the Compulsory Purchase Order process and any associated arrangements for the A29 Realignment Phase 1.

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport has authorised the Director of Law and Assurance to publish the necessary Compulsory Purchase Order and take any necessary action to secure the land either by agreement or compulsion in order to secure the delivery of the proposed A29 Phase 1, as set out in section 2 of the report.

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