Issue details
Preparation for Potential Use of Compulsory Purchase Powers at Willow House to Support the Delivery of Affordable Housing
Purpose of Report:
To prepare for the potential use of compulsory purchase powers
under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 to support land assembly
for the Willow House development. The scheme will redevelop the
former Willow House care home, associated garages and storage units
on Council-owned land into 36 high-quality affordable homes with
new play and amenity space. Full planning permission for the scheme
was granted on 7 May 2026.
To deliver the approved layout, five leasehold stores and one
leasehold garage must be acquired by the Council in the
comparatively smaller, northernmost section where 10 of the 36
total new homes would be delivered. Negotiations have progressed,
but not all interests are yet secured. A Compulsory Purchase Order
(CPO) may be required as a last resort to ensure the scheme can
proceed without delay.
The Executive will be asked to provide an in-principle decision in
order to prepare for the potential use of compulsory purchase
powers to support land assembly for the Willow House
development.
Background information
Executive Report, 16 November 2023
Executive Report, 7 October 2025
Executive Report, 14 April 2026
Planning Decision Notice
Walmgate Improvement Proposals, 7 May 2026
Decision type: Non-key
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: Guildhall Ward;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 20/07/2026
Level of Risk: 04-08 Regular monitoring required;
Decision due: 09/09/26 by Executive
Lead member: Joint Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities
Lead director: Director of City Development
Department: Directorate of City Development
Contact: Garry Taylor, Director of City Development Please add - Lisa Otter Email: lisa.otter@york.gov.uk Email: garry.taylor@york.gov.uk.
Consultation process
Consultation process:
Engagement with the individual leaseholders has taken place as part
of the land assembly process.
Consultees:
Individual leaseholders
Human Rights and Equality Assessment Completed?: Yes
Documents
- Preparation for Potential Use of Compulsory Purchase Powers at Willow House to Support the Delivery of Affordable Housing