A neglected plot of land in Norwich which has sat empty for almost 20 years could finally be redeveloped, as City Hall makes moves to force the owner to sell up.
Norwich City Council has started the process of forcibly purchasing the overgrown site opposite Wensum Park.
The land, between Drayton Road and Lime Kiln Mews, is currently fenced off, with a stack of concrete blocks barring the entrance.
It has gone undeveloped since at least 2006, despite a series of planning applications being submitted.
It is one of two city sites facing a compulsory purchase order (CPO) - a legal mechanism allowing authorities to force landowners to sell.
The last planning application was submitted in 2019 but stalled due to a lack of information from the developer which might have allowed it to progress.
In August 2022, the authority made an offer to purchase the site but was rejected.
The council has not revealed how much it offered the owner.
A report to Norwich City Council cabinet on Wednesday said: “Recent attempts to discuss acquisition of the site at a realistic value have been unsuccessful, therefore it is appropriate to use the CPO route if necessary.
"This ensures that a mechanism is in place to ensure the benefits of redevelopment can be realised within a reasonable timescale."
City Hall is also looking to force the purchase of the former Earl of Leicester pub site, which once stood on Dereham Road.
The pub was flattened in 2005 to make way for housing but so far not a single brick has been laid.
However, five days after the council declared its intention to pursue a CPO in November the owner of the site announced plans for nine new homes.
Mike Stonard, the cabinet member for inclusive and sustainable growth, said it was "no coincidence" the developer had decided to bring the plan forward.
The council will now only force the sale if a timetable for redevelopment is not brought forward in January or if it is not stuck to.
He said: "Cabinet has agreed that we can go to the next stage on both sites subject to conditions.
"I think it is really important to demonstrate to developers that may be 'land banking' [holding on to land before developing it] that they need to come forward or we will pursue a CPO, especially for housing, which is so badly needed."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here