Landowners given a regeneration hurry-up

Apr 24 2008 By Gurdip Thandi

CANNOCK Chase Council has applied for a compulsory purchase order in a bid to push on with plans for a major redevelopment of Hednesford town centre.

Councillors hopes the regeneration of the Rugeley Road area can progress with the formal order.

The order was made on April 17 and affects a number of landowners and other parties having an interest in the site. They will now receive formal notices, with a three week timescale for objections.

Proposals for the site include a Lidl food store and six shop units on Market Street with 18 residential units above.

There is also a pub/restaurant planned near the Victoria Street and Rugeley Road junction and more shop units set inside the shoppers' car park.

Rugeley Road is one of the three regeneration schemes - the others are at the former Lucas building and Victoria Street/bus station.

Bob Phillips, head of planning and regeneration, said: "The project needs to be delivered within a realistic timescale.

"CPO will prevent proposals from being unreasonably delayed, but it does not close the door on negotiations."

A copy of the order and the map showing areas covered by the order are available for inspection at Hednesford Library and the Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock.