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Decision details

Acquisition Approval for the Lisson Grove Programme

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

That Westminster to proceed with the acquisition of the tenanted properties at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street, by way of a transfer of part of the Lease held by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), with the intent of merging the properties into Westminster’s freehold reversion and becoming the landlord of the four existing tenancies as Site 5 for a consideration as set out in Appendix 2 and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard


that Westminster proceed with the acquisition of 8 parking spaces by way of a further transfer of part of the Lease held by NHG which are identified as Sites 1,2,3 and 4 as shown at Appendix 1, and for a consideration set out in Appendix 2, and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard;

that Appendices 2 and 3 of this report be exempt from publication under Section 100 (A) (4) and Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as it contains information which should be exempt from publication relating to the business and financial affairs of the authority.
that the tenants at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street will become secure tenants of Westminster upon the acquisition of these properties from NHG to Westminster and will be entitled to the same rehousing entitlements as provided in the existing policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas as other council tenants in Church Street affected by regeneration.

authorises the serving of Initial Demolition Notices on 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street immediately upon the transfer of these properties into Westminster’s ownership, in accordance with the Housing Act 1985, in order to suspend the requirement for the Council to complete Right to Buy applications for as long as the notices remain in force.

delegates approval and timing of all necessary steps to implement and serve the Initial Demolition Notices to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing;

approves the reletting of any void properties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households

Decision:

1.         That Appendices 2 and 3 of this report be exempt from publication under Section 100 (A) (4) and Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as it contains information which should be exempt from publication relating to the business and financial affairs of the authority.

 

2.         That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Regeneration and Property approved:

 

·       That Westminster proceed with the acquisition of the tenanted properties at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street, by way of a transfer of part of the Lease held by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), with the intent of merging the properties into Westminster’s freehold reversion and becoming the landlord of the four existing tenancies as Site 5 for a consideration as set out in Appendix 2 of the report and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard;

 

·       That Westminster proceed with the acquisition of 8 parking spaces by way of a further transfer of part of the Lease held by NHG which are identified as Sites 1,2,3 and 4 as shown at Appendix 1, and for a consideration set out in Appendix 2, and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard;

 

·       That the tenants at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street become secure tenants of Westminster upon the acquisition of these properties from NHG to Westminster and will be entitled to the same rehousing entitlements as provided in the existing policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas as other council tenants in Church Street affected by regeneration.

 

·        

·       Authorised the serving of Initial Demolition Notices on 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street immediately upon the transfer of these properties into Westminster’s ownership, in accordance with the Housing Act 1985, in order to suspend the requirement for the Council to complete Right to Buy applications for as long as the notices remain in force;

 

·       Delegated approval and timing of all necessary steps to implement and serve the Initial Demolition Notices to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing;

 

·       Approved the reletting of any void properties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

1.                     The Church Street/Edgware Road Area is one of five priority areas identified in Westminster’s Housing Renewal Strategy (2010) as needing significant improvement and investment. In line with the City for All objectives and the Church Street Masterplan, the overarching objective of regenerating the Church Street ward is to bring about physical change that is sustainable and creates new and better homes, health and wellbeing services, economy and employment, public realm and open spaces to improve the lives of residents, business and visitors alike.

2.                     The Cabinet Member for Finance, Regeneration and Property agreed the   decision taken on 6 June 2019 to take forward option 3 as the PWF for Gayhurst House and 6 to 12 Lilestone Street.

3.                     Securing by agreement the transfer of 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street and those eight parking spaces from NHG to Westminster will assist with land assembly in advance of the regeneration.

4.                     The consideration agreed represents a saving to Westminster in comparison to the compensation costs that would be required if any potential Compulsory Purchase Powers were required to secure ownership of these interests

5.                     It will be a requirement to take the transfer of the four properties 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street and to provide the tenants there with secure tenancies for Notting Hill Genesis. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Social Housing Regulator.

6.                     Westminster intends (subject to planning and procurement in the usual way) to demolish the four properties shortly after acquisition. Serving an initial demolition notice on the 4 properties at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street immediately upon transfer to will be necessary to suspend the right to buy.

Publication date: 15/10/2020

Date of decision: 15/10/2020

Effective from: 23/10/2020

Accompanying Documents: