The Director of Regeneration reported upon the proposed implementation of a Neighbourhood Options Appraisal (NOA) involving residential properties in Thorneycroft Street, Plumer Street and Rundle Street, Birkenhead and non residential properties 96-114 Laird Street, including the Baptist Church, to determine the long term future of the area as part of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative. The area was identified as ‘Area 2’ on a plan appended to his report and he commented that the phased demolition of properties acquired in the neighbouring ‘Area 1’ had commenced in August 2009.

He reported also that authority was sought for the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management to agree terms for and to complete the strategic acquisition of buildings located within the Area 2 boundary, where owners approach the Council to sell in advance of the NOA findings. He commented that in connection with any such transactions, the payment of the vendor’s reasonable legal and surveyor’s fees would be made under the Councils Private Sector Housing and Regeneration Assistance Policy (amended in April 2009). In addition, the full range of appropriate financial and advisory assistance was to be made available under the same policy, including the Homemovers Service.

Resolved –

(1)  That the implementation of a Neighbourhood Options Appraisal (NOA) be authorised in respect of “Area 2” (shown on the plan attached to the report now submitted), involving residential properties in Thorneycroft Street, Plumer Street and Rundle Street, Birkenhead and non residential properties 96-114 Laird Street, including the Baptist Church, to determine the long term future of the area as part of the Housing Market Renewal Initiative.

(2)  That the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to agree terms for, and to complete the strategic acquisition of buildings located within the Area 2 boundary where owners approach the Council to sell in advance of the NOA findings. In connection with any such transactions, the payment of the vendor’s reasonable legal and surveyors fees be made under the Councils Private Sector Housing and Regeneration Assistance Policy (amended in April 2009).

(3)  That the full range of appropriate financial and advisory assistance be made available under the same policy, including the Homemovers Service.