Decision details

A report to update Cabinet as to progress with the scheme to remodel Buxton House high-rise block, Huddersfield. It seeks authority from Cabinet to acquire key interests including the headlease and sublease interests relating to a property at Buxton House, Buxton Way and Albion Street to facilitate the remodelling scheme.

In addition, Cabinet authority is sought to begin the process leading to the Council making a Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO"), in tandem with negotiating the acquisition of land interests, as a contingency measure.

Background papers: Previous Cabinet decision, 21 December 2022. Link to agenda, report and decision:

Decision - To consider the outcome of Tenant and Leaseholder consultation and Proposals on the future of four of the Council's high-rise blocks - Bishop's Court, Holme Park Court at Berry Brow and Buxton House and Harold Wilson Court to improve fire safety | Kirklees Council

Engagement:

Tenants of Buxton House and external stakeholders such as the West Yorkshire Fire Service and West Yorkshire Police Police were consulted on concept designs for the proposed remodelling scheme in August 2023.

Stakeholder feedback has been supportive of new proposals, and existing tenants have expressed an interest in returning to the remodelled scheme.

The proposed scheme reflects the main issues arising from this consultation period.

Consultation:

The Tenant Voice Panel is to be consulted on the 28^th February 2024.

The Homes & Neighbourhoods Improvement Board will have considered the proposals on the 13^th February, and Board comments will be reported to Cabinet.

RESOLVED –

1)    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Growth and Regeneration to negotiate and agree terms to acquire the interests and rights identified in paragraph 2.10 of the report and as within the terms outlined in the Private Appendix.

2)    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director Growth and Regeneration to negotiate and agree terms to acquire any further interests or rights subsequently identified which are required to deliver the remodel of Buxton House, provided that the values are within those contained in the Scheme of Delegation for Corporate Landlord & Capital, and that the cost of such could be met within the allocated project budget.

3)    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Growth and Regeneration to take the necessary preliminary steps required for the Council to make a Compulsory Purchase Order (“CPO”) including:-

(i)            The service of statutory requisitions for information from owners/occupiers of land within the proposed CPO area.

(ii)          Instructing land referencing agents to begin liaising with affected landowners/occupiers and to identify the full extent of the land required (either to be acquired permanently or temporarily) and any rights to be acquired as part of the CPO (e.g. rights of way, light, support, easement, or restrictive covenants over the land required as required).

4)    That authority be delegated to the Service Director Legal Governance and Commissioning to finalise and enter into all appropriate contracts, deeds and documents required.

5)    That should it prove necessary to make a CPO, a further report would be brought for consideration.

6)    That it be noted the acquisition of required land interests, and any potential CPO process will be funded from the high-rise budget approved by Cabinet on the 27 July 2021.