Decision details

RESOLVED that:

A    Cabinet recommended to Full Council that Full Council approves (subject to satisfactory negotiations with PfP) the disposal of Harlow Council’s freehold interest in the subject land required to deliver the Stort River Crossing Schemes, those schemes being:

             i)        The Central Stort Crossing proposal which comprises, in broad terms, alterations to the existing Fifth Avenue road/rail bridge, and creation of new bridges to support the widened highway to the west of the existing structure to create the Central Stort Crossings, including embankment works, pedestrian and cycle facilities, a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Eastwick Road, lighting and landscaping works and other associated works (East Herts Council planning reference: 3/19/1046/FUL & Harlow Council planning reference: HW/CRB/19/00220); and

            ii)        The Eastern Stort Crossing which comprises, in broad terms, erection of a new road, pedestrian and cycle bridge; replacement of an existing rail bridge at River Way; alterations to the existing local highway network; lighting and landscaping works; listed building works to Fiddlers Brook Bridge; and other associated works (East Herts Council planning reference: 3/19/1051/FUL and Harlow Council planning reference: HW/CRB/19/00221).

Such land disposal to be via private treaty to PfP and to include all necessary land currently within the ownership of Harlow Council; and any land acquired by Harlow Council as part of the land assembly for the Stort River Crossing Schemes.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Recommendation above involves the resolutions made by Full Council on 29 October 2020 detailed in Council Minute 36. remaining extant, except for the Resolution recorded in Minute 36. a) ii) that “Full Council, in principle, where Harlow District Council is landowner, or through the process of acquisition (including under CPO) would become landowner, the Council agreed to retain ownership but grant licence for infrastructure works on that land…”. However, that resolution recorded in Minute 36. a) ii) shall remain extant if Officers are unable to negotiate satisfactory terms with PfP for the freehold transfer of the subject land.

B    Cabinet delegated to the Managing Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance the authority to negotiate and finalise the terms of the freehold land disposals and (subject to being satisfied that it would be for the best consideration reasonably obtainable and on terms that comply with the Council’s statutory and common law duties) thereafter procure the legal completion of the sale documentation.