Latest Press Releases
Rowner
Compulsory Purchase Order Given to Rowner
8th August 2011Gosport Borough Council has been granted compulsory purchase powers for the regeneration of the Rowner estate following confirmation of the Compulsory Purchase Order ("CPO") by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Eric Pickles.
This will enable the council to purchase and take possession of the remaining properties and land under private ownership in the regeneration area. The properties and land will be purchased by Gosport Borough Council under the Compulsory Purchase Order or, by agreement, by First Wessex, the housing association in The Rowner Renewal Partnership. Other members of the Partnership include the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Hampshire County Council and Taylor Wimpey.
The Rowner Renewal project is a multi million-pound, phased regeneration of the Rowner estate. Phase one is nearing completion while Phase two includes 101 new apartments and the new Tesco supermarket and other retail outlets which will bring much needed jobs as well as new homes to the area.
Gosport Borough Council made the Compulsory Purchase Order for the area in September 2010 and a Public Inquiry was held in March 2011
The regeneration scheme’s public consultation began on 11 October 2007 and members of the Partnership explained the need for a CPO for a project of this size. Of the 507 properties initially required to deliver the regeneration, less than 55 remain to agree terms.
The remaining owners on the estate have been written to personally by Gosport Borough Council and First Wessex advising them of their rights and a Frequently Asked Questions booklet has been distributed by the Partnership to help answer any questions that owners may have. Owners will sell their properties to Gosport Borough Council under CPO guidelines or if they prefer, they may sell their property by agreement to First Wessex.
Leader of Gosport Borough Council, Cllr Mark Hook, said:
“This was a necessary step in the regeneration of the area and for improving the quality of life for residents living in the local community. The CPO will allow this much needed regeneration scheme to progress. This is another big step forward for Gosport and a further indication of how the town is moving forwards.”
First Wessex Development Director, Hazel Warwick said
“We are very pleased at the response of owners on the estate and have been able to re-house many of them. Some are now waiting to move into their new homes within Phase one, whilst others have chosen to move away from the estate. We will continue to assist residents and help current owners with their move. Any owner who does want to contact First Wessex directly can use our Rowner Enquiry Line by telephoning 08450 343317 or make an appointment at our office in the Nimrod Centre.”
For further information about the Rowner Renewal project please visit www.rownerrenewal.com
ENDS
Media contact: Judi Ammari at Harvest Marketing Communications
023 9244 9655 or 07960 888494 or judi.ammari@harvestpr.co.uk
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Phase 1 of the eight year Rowner Renewal Project includes 219 new homes and work is nearing completion.
All of the members of The Rowner Renewal Partnership are leaders in community regeneration and providers of quality homes:-
First Wessex is a respected local association with a strong track record of success in community development and regeneration. First Wessex manages 1400 homes in Gosport of mixed tenure for rent and shared ownership. It has a significant stake in Rowner and is a well respected landlord, well placed to manage the outcomes of the regeneration.
Gosport Borough Council is the accountable body for the citizens of Gosport and speaks on behalf of the whole community. The redevelopment of the Rowner Village is a significant priority for the Council. They wish to work closely with their residents to ensure that within Rowner a cohesive and sustainable community is maintained. The Council has long supported community development and projects in Rowner and has assembled the team to get things done.
Hampshire County Council has played a key leadership role in facilitating the Partnership. It has committed specialist project management and financial support and secured the political will, at regional and national levels, for the regeneration of Rowner. It is the accountable body for the citizens of Hampshire and takes the strategic view for long term benefit. On the project their responsibilities include issues affecting roads, transport and regeneration.
The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is the single, national housing and regeneration delivery agency for England. Our vision is to create opportunity for people to live in homes they can afford in places they want to live, by enabling local authorities and communities to deliver
the ambition they have for their own areas.
For more information visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/newsevent
Taylor Wimpey UK is a part of Taylor Wimpey plc. As well as operating in the UK, Taylor Wimpey plc builds homes in North America, Spain and Gibraltar. It aims to be the homebuilder of choice for customers, employees, shareholders and for the communities in which it operates. Taylor Wimpey builds a range of properties across the UK, from one bedroom apartments and starter homes up to large detached family houses. For further information please visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/alver
