Change in compulsory purchase guidance offers hope for Talland Parade, Seaford

The Labour government has updated guidance on compulsory purchase orders which could finally offer a solution to the Talland Parade eyesore in the centre of Seaford.

Talland Parade is a building in Seaford town centre which has had planning permission for ten flats for over a decade. The building has fallen into disrepair and caused significant damage to the surrounding area, including businesses closing, unsafe risks during storms, several council interventions required to safely secure the area and most recently with pieces of rubble falling off the building.

Cllr Carolyn Lambert explains: "Previously, the council was not able to use compulsory purchase legislation to buy a single building. James MacCleary MP asked a parliamentary question to request that local councils be given compulsory purchase powers for stalled development sites with planning permission. The reply indicates that guidance has been updated which may offer a way forward for Talland Parade.

"We are now challenging the Green administration who run Lewes District Council to support Seaford residents and to explore the ways in which they could use these changed powers to finally solve the unacceptable mess that remains at the centre of the town.

"I will be writing to the Green Leader of the Council to ask for this to be explored as a matter of urgency."

James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, said: "Councils should have much greater power to set the direction for sites of major interest to their communities.

"The answer from the minister is encouraging, and I will pass this on to the council so that they can use it to push for further action on the blight of Talland Parade in the centre of Seaford."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Question From James MacCleary MP:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of giving local councils compulsory purchase powers for stalled development sites with planning permission. (7671)

Tabled on: 07 October 2024

Answer:
Matthew Pennycook:

Local authorities already have various compulsory purchase powers to acquire and develop land which could include stalled development sites with planning permission. The Government is keen for authorities to make greater use of their compulsory purchase powers to support the regeneration and growth of their areas where appropriate, provided there is a compelling case in the public interest. To assist local authorities in using their powers, this Government has recently published updated guidance on the compulsory purchase process reforms introduced by the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. This can be found at here.