Fife councillors will this week be asked to approve “all necessary steps” to attain a solicitor’s office the local authority wants to demolish.
The policy, finance and asset management committee is being urged to back a compulsory purchase order (CPO) so the council can knock down the Cupar office of Paterson Bell.
The firm is not keen to sell the property, which occupies a space on St Catherine Street earmarked for junction improvements.
“A CPO would enable road improvement works at the junction area to the east end of St Catherine Street,” says a report set to go before councillors on Thursday.
“This report confirms completion of the necessary due diligence and seeks authority to acquire the property using compulsory purchase powers.”
Councillors are being urged to authorise council chiefs to advertise a CPO and to take “all other necessary steps to obtain” title to the property. They will also be asked to authorise negotiation of any claims for compensation and costs payable to the owner of the office.
The Paterson Bell office is the last remaining obstacle to the road upgrade, the neighbouring building having already been acquired.
“The purchase of the former ATS property (next door) at 24 St Catherine Street was previously approved … and the council has since purchased the property by agreement,” the report continues.
“The district valuer, acting on behalf of the council, has held talks with Paterson Bell … and has indicated that the owners are reluctant to make 22 St Catherine Street available for sale to the council.”
The report states that, if rapid progress is to be made, a CPO represents the best option open to the council.
“It is anticipated that the reluctance of Paterson Bell to sell 22 St Catherine Street may lead to a delay in purchasing that property,” it continues.
“In the circumstances, the use of compulsory purchase powers should be considered to assist in expediting the purchase of the property within an appropriate timescale and value.”
Councillors will be assured that, should Paterson Bell wish to return to the negotiating table, the CPO procedure could be dropped.