Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the item regarding the making of a CPO in respect of the land and interests needed to deliver part of the station phase in the Brent Cross Cricklewood regeneration Scheme. 

The Chairman also welcomed a presentation by the Commissioning Director for Growth and Development to Committee on the legal structure of the Limited Partnership and its  interface with the Limited Partnership Agreement and the Shareholder Agreement.  Through a number of different agreements throughout different tiers of the structure, decisions are made, governance arrangements put in place, issues referred,  project agreements set up around contracts, development management agreements formed to guide infrastructure development agreements to with plot owners. 

The Chairman expressed an interest the timeline for the shopping centre and was informed it was a 3 year build completing in 2021.  Replacement of the Whitefield units will occur over time and the needs of some residents may have changed over time.  Councillor Ryde stated that as the scheme gets closer, there will be a dawning that there will be a huge impact on their lives.  Argent have a good track record of public engagement.  The regeneration of Kings Cross is evidence of this. Large numbers of residents were engaged and impressed by their work.  Councillor Rosenberg asked for early involvement in engagement with councillors and Committee.  Members were informed that Argent have engaged Soundings to work on some early consultation and engagement such as one to one meetings, a number of small events, exhibitions in order to take on board local concerns. Councillor Rozenberg welcomed the engagement but said that ward councillor have not been included yet. It is key to have a broader understanding of issues – ie traffic. 

The Chairman asked for Ward Councillors are made aware of consultation events, even if not invited.  Councillor Narenthira asked for wards along the A5 to be included in the wider consultation as they will be effected by the CPO and works.

Councillor Cooke asked whether Whitefield residents, due to be displaced, will get the opportunity to be re-housed in the same area. The Commissioning Director confirmed that that they will for example within shared equity schemes and fixed term secure tenancies are being offered in the block.

Councillor Cooke asked for information on other options available other than option 1 referred to in the recommendations. Members were offered and welcomed the opportunity to receive more information from Capita Rail on Grip3.

Following the discussion, the Chairman moved to a vote on the recommendations below.

Committee RESOLVED:

1.    That a compulsory purchase order (CPO) be made pursuant to the powers in section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) for the acquisition of the land shaded pink on the plan at Appendix 1 of 2 Plan and 2 of 2 Plan.

2.    That the appropriate Chief Officers be authorised to settle the final form and content of the CPO and associated documentation, including the Statement of Reasons, and take all action needed to pursue the CPO and secure its confirmation. 

3.    That the appropriate Chief Officers be authorised, following the confirmation of the CPO, to implement the CPO powers and acquire title to and/or take possession of the land.