Issue - meetings

This report seeks permission to purchase the freehold of the site known as 381-397 Edgware Road, Colindale, NW9.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)       To note the contents of the report;

(2)       To approve the proposed acquisition of the freehold interest of the site for purchase price set out in the (exempt) appendix of the report, subject to contract and subject to a) clean and marketable title b) financial and legal due diligence and c) vacant possession, with a target exchange of contract in June 2022.

(3)       To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning to negotiate and agree the terms and thereafter enter into a contract with the seller for the purchase of the site.

(4)       To approve the engagement of section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (2016 Act) in order to override third party rights and to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment to consult and enter into agreements and if required to pay compensation to third parties whose rights may be affected by the engagement of the 2016 Act

Councillor Southwood (Cabinet Member for Housing & Welfare Reform) introduced a report seeking permission to purchase the freehold of the site known as 381 – 397 Edgware Road, Colindale, NW9.

In considering the report Cabinet noted the benefits associated with the proposed purchase of the site in terms of it having already secured planning permission and in maximising the opportunity to convert the tenure of the 110 units available to 100% affordable Temporary Accommodated rented as a means of supporting the Council’s wider approach towards reducing the reliance on Temporary Accommodation.  Members noted that the size breakdown of available units had been confirmed to meet the requirements of existing short and medium term temporary accommodation needs but that the purchase would, subject to approval of the offer outlined within the report, be dependent on acceptance following ongoing negotiations with the developer.

In recognising and commending the ongoing cumulative impact of the work being undertaken to reduce the reliance on use of Temporary Accommodation for those families in housing need, Cabinet RESOLVED having noted the contents of the report and exempt information contained within the appendix:

(1)       To approve the proposed acquisition of the freehold interest of the site for purchase price set out in the (exempt) appendix of the report, subject to contract and subject to a) clean and marketable title b) financial and legal due diligence and c) vacant possession, with a target exchange of contract in June 2022.

(2)       To delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning to negotiate and agree the terms and thereafter enter into a contract with the seller for the purchase of the site.

(3)       To approve the engagement of section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (2016 Act) in order to override third party rights and to delegate authority to the Strategic Director of Regeneration & Environment to consult and enter into agreements and if required to pay compensation to third parties whose rights may be affected by the engagement of the 2016 Act