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ITEM EX6

EXECUTIVE - 4 SEPTEMBER 2002

OXFORD CASTLE

Report by Director of Environmental Services and Solicitor to the Council

Introduction

  1. At the meeting on 11 December 2001 a report was presented to the Executive explaining the progress which had been made with the scheme for the redevelopment of the Oxford Castle site. In particular there was reference to the acquisition of the premises at 30–35 Castle Street and the Executive authorised the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the acquisition of the leasehold interest in 35 Castle Street. The scheme is generally progressing well but this report deals specifically with the need to acquire the other interests in property required for the project.

    2. 30-35 Castle Street

  2. The freehold interest in 30a - 35 Castle Street is to be conveyed to the County Council by the City Council but this has not yet been done. 30a Castle Street is currently occupied by the City Council and is to be conveyed with vacant possession. There are three leasehold interests in the remainder of the premises i.e. for 30/33, 34 and 35. The intention has been to secure vacant possession by terminating the current leases. However, it is possible that the procedures could be protracted and could delay the scheme. The former Strategy & Resources Committee authorised the use of Compulsory Purchase Powers if necessary and the Executive has already authorised the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the acquisition of the leasehold interest in No. 35. It would now be appropriate for the Executive to also authorise the making of Compulsory Purchase Orders for the acquisition of the leasehold interests in 30/33 and 34. In order for them to be effective legally, they would also have to be made against the City Council if they still owned the freehold in the properties. If they did not, then the Orders when made would be effective against the tenants. The legal basis of this approach rests upon the need to acquire the entire interest in the land for the purposes of redevelopment when the Orders are made.

  3. The use of Compulsory Purchase Powers would ensure that any delay resulting from protracted procedures for termination of the leasehold interests would be minimised but the tenants would be entitled to compensation for the loss of their leasehold interests.

    4. Land at Paradise Street

  4. The land at Paradise Street shown hatched black on the attached plan is owned by Oxford City Council and leased to Southern Electric Distribution Power plc. It is necessary to provide vehicular service and pedestrian access to the Castle site. The electricity sub station is to be relocated as part of the scheme.

    5. RECOMMENDATION

  5. The Executive is RECOMMENDED to authorise the making, publication and submission to the Secretary of State for confirmation of Compulsory Purchase Orders for the acquisition of all the leasehold and freehold interests in 30a to 35 Castle Street, Oxford, and adjoining highway land, and the land at Paradise Street, which are shown on the plans attached to the report, such acquisition being necessary to enable the redevelopment of these properties to proceed.

DAVID YOUNG
Director of Environmental Services

PETER CLARK
Solicitor to the Council

Background Papers Nil

Contact Officer: Neil Monaghan Tel: (01865) 815712

August 2002

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