URL: https://democracy.ribblevalley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1417

Decision Maker: Community Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Director of Community Services submitted a report informing Committee about advice received in respect of a compulsory purchase and seeking approval to take preparatory steps for compulsory purchase.   Following a reappraisal of the situation, external legal advice had been sought and it was proposed that, subject to the caveats set out in the report, that the Council take initial preparatory steps towards Compulsory Purchase, which included procurement of a Land Reference Agent and further external legal support. As part of the process, the Council would consider the custodianship of the wells as it moved through the process of local government reorganisation and formation of unitary councils.   The results of inquiries of the Land Agent would be reported back to Committee in due course along with proposals for the next steps to be implemented. The likely costs of the Land Agent and legal support would be incurred by the Council. If this could not be met from existing budgets a report would be taken to Policy and Finance Committee to establish how this could be funded.   Members were pleased to support the proposal and noted that previous investigations had not identified a suitable legal route. It was understood that the new route which had been explored had resulted in new legal advice, therefore enabling the Council to move forward with the process.   RESOLVED THAT COMMITTEE:   Authorised to the Director of Community Services to procure the appointment of a Land reference agent and further legal support necessary to process the preparatory steps for compulsory acquisition.

Date of Decision: March 10, 2026