8 August 2011 – Compulsory Purchase Order Given to Rowner

Gosport 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."