West Northamptonshire Development Corporation in bid to purchase site of former power station
The site of three new bridges between Nunn Mills Road and Ransome Road.
A VAST swathe of land in Northampton could soon be bought-up by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation using its compulsory purchase powers.
The Government-backed organisation has revealed plans to buy 100 acres of land surrounding Avon’s headquarters near Bedford Road.
The land, which includes the site of the former Nunn Mills power station, is owned by both Avon, housing developers Persimmon Homes, Northampton Borough Council and the Government.
Talks about the area’s regeneration have been ongoing among the landowners for a number of years, but the WNDC said they have now stalled, meaning the only way forward was for the organisation to force the sale of the land so it could bring forward its redevelopment.
In documents which will be seen by the WNDC’s board next week, the authority’s director of regeneration, Chris Garden, said: “There have been long-standing proposals for the development of these sites that have failed to come to fruition. Without the use of the corporation’s powers of compulsory purchase to facilitate the regeneration and redevelopment of this site, the benefits to the area will not be realised.
“There is, therefore, a compelling case in the public interest for the compulsory acquisition of interests in the land.”
If the move is approved by the WNDC’s board next week, it would be the first time the organisation has used its compulsory purchase powers to bring forward such a major project.
The organisation also confirmed that if the plans were agreed, land owners including both Avon and Persimmon would receive compensation packages.
A public inquiry about the compulsory purchase plan could be held in May next year, with the Government expected to make a final decision on whether the purchase should go ahead in November 2012.
If the scheme was successful, the WNDC would then control the site and oversee its redevelopment.
It has been suggested the site, which stretches from Bedford Road to Ransome Road, could be used to provide up to 2,000 new homes, shops, offices and a primary school. The WNDC’s board will discuss the plans during a public meeting next week.
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