Decision details

An opportunity has arisen to acquire approx. 70 acres of land in Keynsham that would facilitate the early delivery of adopted transport policy, as set out in the Joint Local Transport Plan 4, that is required to address existing congestion issues and likely to be required before new homes could come forward. The site is currently in the greenbelt and not allocated, but in the future could form part of a wider area, that through comprehensive development could deliver 1500+ homes. The enabling infrastructure would help to alleviate existing traffic congestion in Keynsham, enable delivery of wider public transport improvements as well as unlock access to the site and support the new development. The Council is seeking grant from WECA’s Land Acquisition Fund (LAF) to acquire the land

The Cabinet Members agree to

Delegate approval to the Director of Partnership and Corporate Services in consultation with the S151 Finance officer to;

I.  Enter the Land Acquisition Fund grant agreement with WECA to acquire the land.

II.  Thereafter, add to the 2020/21 Capital Programme as a new approved item for Keynsham Land Acquisition to the value of grant agreed. 

III.  Enter the Contract for Sale with the vendor.

The primary reason for public intervention is to facilitate early delivery of adopted transport policy.

This decision is made under Urgency Rule 15 (Constitution 4B Access to Information Rules) to enable the Land Sale to complete within the timescales agreed within the Heads of Terms. To not proceed under urgency powers will risk the Council being able to comply with this condition.

Do Nothing -The Council leaves it to the market to bring the land and associated infrastructure forward once viable to do so. This could stall development, or bring forward in a piecemeal manner not in accordance with emerging or adopted policy.