Roger Hannah were appointed by Tanvic Group Ltd to represent their interests in respect to their freehold site affected by the proposed Lincolnshire County Council (Station Approach Grantham) Compulsory Purchase Order 2012.
Tanvic Group Ltd is one of the UK’s largest independent automotive aftermarket suppliers operating from 20 branches across the Midlands and East Anglia. Their Grantham branch is particularly profitable given its town centre location. The site however formed part of a 5.3 hectare area which the Council intended to re-develop as a mixed use site to improve the connectivity between the railway station and town centre.
Like many Claimants, Tanvic did not welcome the CPO as it would result in the loss of their business premises. However, when we reviewed the Council’s Statement of Reasons for making the CPO, we also became concerned about the Council’s intentions for the site and whether the Scheme could actually be delivered. Roger Hannah prepared a detailed objection to the CPO on the grounds of demand, viability and deliverability. As a result of the objections raised, a Public Inquiry was scheduled to consider whether the CPO should be confirmed.
It was important that whilst we ultimately opposed the CPO, negotiations continued with the Council to protect Tanvic’s position should the CPO be confirmed. Roger Hannah worked with a team of planners and urban designers to prepare alternative options to present to the Council which would incorporate new Tanvic premises into the Council’s Scheme. In addition, we considered a range of approaches to value the site which were discussed directly with the Council.
Following the Public Inquiry, the Secretary of State decided to reject the CPO stating that the proposed scheme was premature and viability had not been demonstrated.
Whilst Tanvic were delighted that the CPO was rejected, there is a concern about the wasted resources and costs incurred by the Council in trying to obtain this CPO. It is imperative, particularly in the current economic climate, that proposed schemes are well thought through and deliverable.
Please contact our CPO team for information and advice.
