BAA to start buying up Sipson homes in runway demolition area
a third runway to say that the company will buy properties ahead of announcing
their intention to submit planning permission.
the problem of residents who are unable to sell their homes due to the third runway
threat but whose personal circumstances mean they have a desperate need to move.
unsuccessfully to move, there is considerable concern that BAA has chosen to start
buying homes at a time when a third runway has never seemed more unlikely.
tenants could have a very negative impact on local communities. Residents who
have no intention of moving may panic and contemplate leaving their home rather
than see the area take a downturn.
expansion.
MP and BAA is holding small sessions (by appointment) at the Heathrow Academy
to answer questions. Hillingdon Legal Centre will also be holding legal meetings
for those eligible for the property bond scheme.
so that the meetings can address their specific property concerns rather than
having a general meeting to discuss the third runway.
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runway. This is the area covered by the Property Market Support Bond.
to all properties in the affected area.
This morning (Tuesday 20th October) BAA has written to residents under threat
of the 3rd runway offering to buy properties within the area designated under
its Property Market Support Bond scheme. (a copy of the letter is below).
This offer is open to residents for the next 12 months.
I have been pressing BAA for months to implement the Bond Scheme to assist residents
who are trapped in unsuitable accommodation and unable to sell their properties
on the open market. Two weeks ago I met representatives from BAA with Rob Fodder,
an example of a local resident unable to sell his property and trapped with his
growing family in overcrowded conditions.
Last week I also tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament calling for action
to resolve this issue. I welcome BAA’s announcement because it will help local
families who are suffering from being trapped in unsuitable accommodation because
they cannot sell.
Over the next week I am convening a public meeting for local residents to discuss
the implications of this decision. In addition over the coming weeks we will
be convening via the local law centre a series of smaller seminars with lawyers
to provide advice to local residents on the details of the scheme and the process
from hereon.
I believe that the 3rd runway will never be built but before we can kill off
this runway threat once and for all we need to ensure that families affected by
blight are properly protected. I will write to local residents in the villages
and put all the details of these events on this website, inform Hayes FM and the
local press.
BAA’s Letter to Residents in Heathrow Villages
20 th October 2009
Dear neighbour
Property Market Support Bond Scheme – BAA to offer to buy properties
with Bonds from 20th October 2009
I am writing to tell you some important news about the Property Market Support
Bond (PMSB) scheme as your property falls within the boundary for the scheme.
We are unable to trigger the PMSB scheme at this time, but as an act of goodwill
BAA is today offering to buy properties with Bonds obtained under the PMSB scheme
subject to the eligibility criteria being met. We are taking this step to reduce
the uncertainty faced by residents wishing to sell their property. Others will
not want to sell their homes at this time and I would like to emphasise that no-one
is required to sell to BAA at this stage.
BAA continues to believe that a third runway is both necessary and justified,
though we recognise that the controversy around the issue continues. Since the
Government’s announcement in January of its support for a third runway, we have
been carrying out the preparatory work needed before we can announce our intention
to apply for planning permission.
Working through the Government’s new planning structure has added to an already
complicated process. The result is that we do not yet know exactly when we will
submit our planning application. In formal terms, this means we are still unable
to say when we might announce our intention to apply for planning permission,
which is the trigger for the PMSB scheme.
The offer to purchase properties will be open to residents for an initial period
of 12 months from today, 20 October 2009 (i.e. up to 20 October 2010). Home-owners
with a Property Market Support Bond can ask BAA to purchase their home under the
same terms and conditions as the PMSB scheme, at a price which is index-linked
to June 2002 property prices. BAA will also reimburse property owners for their
removal costs, legal
costs and stamp duty equivalent to the value of their property when they sell
to BAA. The additional 10 per cent home-loss payment would only be made if planning
permission were granted for a third runway.
For those residents who do not yet have a Property Market Support Bond, you can
still apply for one and request BAA to purchase your property during this period
(i.e. up until 20 October 2010). If you are a Bond holder and interested in taking
up this offer, please
fill in the attached form and return it us at the address given. If you do not
have a Bond and would like one or have any questions and would like to talk to
someone, please contact the team on 0208 745 4929.
Yours faithfully
Colin Matthews Chief Executive, BAA
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