The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate Services providing an update on the work undertaken on the Better Queensway Project since the decision of Cabinet on 22^nd September 2015.

On consideration of the report, the Leader of the Council thanked Sally Holland for her contribution towards the work on the Queensway Project.

Resolved:

1.    That the work undertaken on the Better Queensway Project to date, be noted.

2.    That progression to Phase 3 of the Project based on the latest option development attached at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

3.    That the use of the Council’s Compulsory Purchase Powers continue to be investigated and that preparatory work be undertaken for the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), which will be subject to a formal resolution of the Cabinet in the future.

4.    That the Project should involve the demolition of the tower blocks and other flats (where the Council owns the freehold) within the Project area.

5.    That Initial Demolition Notices under Section 138(a) and Schedule 5(A) of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) be served on all secure tenants of houses and flats within the Project area.

6.    That based on Appendix 1 to the report, an outline planning application for the Project be prepared and submitted.

7.    That further work be undertaken on the preferred Joint Venture approach (through competitive dialogue) with a report being submitted to Cabinet to determine this matter and the selection of a development partner.

8.    That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, to agree the terms of any proposed Leaseholder swaps.

9.    That it be noted that further reports will also be needed to give approval to additional matters such as, land appropriation, CPO resolution and a decant policy for re-housing of tenants and leaseholders.

Reason for Decision

To progress the Better Queensway project.

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report.

This is an Executive Function

Called-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillors – Lamb and Holland