Owners of land in Streethay could be forced to sell it to allow the construction of a new industrial development.
Plans for the site off Burton Old Road were approved back in 2011, but a Compulsary Purchase Order (CPO) could now be made to kickstart the scheme.
The proposals will be discussed at a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet today (December 3).
The newly-purchased land would be used to widen the access road between Britannia Way and the site as well as replacing the bridge over the West Coast Main Line to allow the scheme to begin.
The battle to develop the site has been a long one, with discussions stretching back over more than a decade.
“Negotiations have taken place since 2000 with the various parties,” said Cllr Ian Pritchard in a report to Cabinet. “In recognition of the relatively low existing use values and in order to negotiate a settlement without the need to resort to a CPO, offers were made to all of the claimants in excess of the sums which would be paid under compulsory purchase.
“The Developers revisited the figures following the grant of planning permission in November 2008 and as the property market had deteriorated considerably, the offers previously made were no longer viable.
“However, agreement has not been reached with the parties and this means it is unlikely to be possible to acquire the land required for the highway improvements in order to facilitate access to the development, by agreement.”
The council will be able to apply for a CPO as the land is a “key employment site”.
Cllr Pritchard’s report added: “The development of this key employment site identified in the Local Plan will help generate a significant number of new jobs, helping add to the prosperity in the area.”
