February 13, 2020 10.46 am This story is over 59 months old

Council backs compulsory purchase measures for key infrastructure land

There have been delays in negotiation

Delays in negotiations could lead North East Lincolnshire Council to force a purchase of key infrastructure land under measures approved by senior councillors.

Two parcels of land off the Stallingborough Interchange could be subject to compulsory purchase orders in an effort to advance the South Humber Industrial Investment Programme (SHIP).

Senior councillors on the authority’s cabinet approved the measure at a meeting yesterday (February 12).

The council has been looking to develop a 64 hectare area of land at the site and 120 hectares of “mitigation land” to protect birds and other wildlife.

The plan is part of the SHIP programme, a key project which is estimated to create an additional £75 million income for the authority over the next 25 years.

It includes the provision of more than 190 hectares of quality serviced industrial sites and the creation of the South Humber Bank Link Road to improve the connectivity between the ports of Immingham and Grimsby.

The Cress Marsh, which has already been created as part of the SHIIP programme, is already helping protect some wildlife.

A report before councillors said it has so far managed to acquire 13 hectares of the development and 40 hectares of the mitigation site – with the creation of the Cress Marsh as part of that.

However, it added: “Negotiations have been ongoing for the remainder of the land […] for some considerable while although as at the date of this report, it has not been possible to conclude such negotiations.

“On this basis, it is now necessary to prepare for the use of statutory compulsory purchase powers to acquire the land allow the council to progress this important scheme for the benefit of the borough.”

No figures have been given as to the value of such orders, however, officers will continue to negotiate in the meantime, said the report.

It warns that not doing so “will delay the land assembly process” and impact on potential revenue.

Any compulsory purchase of land will return before the council’s cabinet for final approval.

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