25/07/2006 - Welwyn Hatfield Council to submit Compulsory Purchase Order application to Central Government

Welwyn Hatfield Council resolved at its Full Council meeting on Monday 24 July 2006 to apply for powers to acquire the land and rights to enable the redevelopment of Hatfield Town Centre East to proceed.

Called a Compulsory Purchase Order, it is one of the important stages in bringing about the regeneration of an area and requires agreement from Central Government before it can be implemented.

Executive Member for Resources (includes Estates), Councillor Richard Smith said: “A CPO process is necessary and is an important milestone in the project along with the approval of the planning application and the signing of the Development Agreement.

“It is inevitable that this will have an impact on existing traders and residents within the redevelopment area. To make sure this is as smooth and easy process for all of them, we will continually be in contact with them.”

To allow the council to apply for the Order, it had to build up a picture of land ownership in the proposed development area. All residents and businesses were sent an explanatory letter and questionnaire at the end of last year. The questionnaire was a formal legal document, a "Requisition for Information Notice". Information from the returned questionnaires has enabled the council to identify relevant interests in the properties within the CPO area.

St Modwen Developments (Hatfield) Limited, the developer, has already acquired significant parts of the site through agreement. Negotiations with land owners have been ongoing for the past year and a half and will continue throughout the CPO process to enable interests to be acquired on a voluntary basis wherever possible. St Modwen will also be holding surgeries on site twice a month to facilitate negotiations.

Executive Member for Planning, Councillor Mandy Perkins says “The regeneration of Hatfield Town Centre is much needed and once the scheme is complete residents and businesses will enjoy an attractive, accessible, clean and vibrant centre to shop, live, work and relax in.  It is an exciting project, which we hope will be completed by 2010.”

All those affected by the Order will receive notices explaining why the CPO has been made and the rights to inspect the detailed Order and map. Details will also be posted on the council’s website: www.welhat.gov.uk.