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Compulsory purchase on the table
PLANS to give Bicester a new multimillion- pound town centre could advance rapidly after Cherwell District Council agreed the use of compulsory purchase powers on Monday night.
Members of the council's executive approved a motion expressing their resolve to use a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to gain control of key areas of the town centre.
Councillor Norman Bolster, Cherwell District Council's head of regeneration and estates, said although any compulsory purchase would have to be approved by the full council, it was rarely possible to complete a development such as this without a CPO.
He added: "Cherwell District Council last had to use a CPO for the Castle Quay development in Banbury for the same reason – that it was in multiple ownership."
Mr Bolster said it was necessary for the council to acquire all rights of way, known and unknown.
"Where ownership is in many parts, and where it may not be possible to
prove or disprove ownership, a CPO clears up all those possibilities," he added.
Ben Jackson, chairman of Bicester Chamber of Commerce, said it was not unusual for developers to seek compulsory purchase options, although
it was usually done earlier in the process.
He added: "We hope that effective communication, rather than legislation, will be all that is necessary.
"The development will bring challenges, but also opportunities, especially the cinema complex, which we see as a central to improving both the weekend and night-time economy of Bicester.
"The town needs this development to move forward, but must remain aware that it is one of a very few still proceeding at all. It would be disappointing if the project came under any real threat of postponement or even abandonment."
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Weather for Buckingham
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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Wind direction: North west
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