Cargiant’s Warren launches fresh attack on OPDC

Cargiant owner millionaire Geoffrey Warren has slammed the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation’s potential plans to compulsorily purchase its land, unleashing a new attack on the vehicle responsible for the £26bn regeneration. The UK’s largest used-car dealership owns 46 acres at Old Oak Common, in west London, which has been earmarked for development. It has vowed to fight any CPO of the land, after OPDC executives told the London Assembly it would take 25% of its land, adding that the CPO process had already begun. Warren said: “ This strategy is completely flawed. We have repeatedly told them that our business cannot function properly without this land but the OPDC simply refuses to listen. “Cargiant has no wish to be obstructive but we cannot simply disappear into thin air.” Development of the first phases of the 1,600-acre site is currently stalled awaiting delivery of the HIF finance, and the OPDC is exploring alternative funding options. OPDC chair Liz Peace and interim chief executive David Lunts appeared for questioning in front of the London Assembly yesterday. Cargiant said that during this meeting Lunts said the development would require 25% of Cargiant land. Warren said: “We have no site to relocate to and the enormous costs of us moving, of having our business extinguished, cannot be afforded. “The OPDC is purposely avoiding the proper process of assessment and consultation and we will fight any attempt to CPO our land.  The plans they are bringing forward are simply not viable to deliver.” A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “These are unhelpful comments that are designed to delay the regeneration of Old Oak and the delivery of new homes and jobs. It is no secret that this is a complex site that requires careful planning and investment and was left in a mess by the Mayor’s predecessor. It is disappointing that Car Giant continue to frustrate this scheme that could deliver so much for Londoners.” David Lunts, interim chief executive officer, at the OPDC said: “As part of our plans eventually to build a new district for west London, with 25,000 new homes and up to 65,000 new jobs, OPDC published on 3 June a plan showing the possible extent of land acquisition necessary for the first phase of the regeneration of Old Oak. This represents the maximum extent of land that might be required and provides a basis for discussion with landowners but it is not a final plan and we will be working with occupiers and land owners to seek to minimise the eventual land required. “Although the plan includes around 25 per cent of Cargiant’s ownership in the area, we believe it is only between 5 and 10 per cent that relates to operational business, the rest being let to various third parties. Any acquisitions will involve full and fair compensation. “It is disappointing that Cargiant is currently refusing to engage with us but we remain keen to work with them to ensure that they are able to continue to operate their business successfully, and to discuss relocation options for the longer-term redevelopment of their main site at Old Oak.” It follows a scathing row between the two, in which Cargiant called for a public inquiry into the OPDC’s finances and bid for a £250m grant through the Housing Infrastructure Fund. Warren added: “The OPDC needs to pull its head out the sand and it is time for honesty with Londoners about the true cost and difficulty in seeking to bring forward new homes at Old Oak Common.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette