(Councillor B Moon, having declared a prejudicial interest in this item (see minute 249) left the room during its consideration)

The Director of Regeneration sought authorisation to exercise Compulsory Purchase Order powers contained within the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (Section 226(1)(a)) to acquire the site of the New Ferry Butterfly Park from the private landowner to preserve the future of the park for environmental purposes.

The Head of Housing and Regeneration referred to a petition of some 3500 signatures in support of preserving the future of the butterfly park.

With the permission of the Chair, Councillor S Niblock, ward councillor, addressed the Cabinet in support of the petitioners.

Resolved – That,

(1) the use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990, Section 226 (1) (a) be authorised to acquire the site of the Butterfly Park in New Ferry

(2) the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be authorised to take all necessary steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Order including the publication and service of all notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any public inquiry and acquire all interests in land within the CPO either by agreement or compulsorily;

(3) “call-in” be waived due to the urgent necessity to progress the CPO.