MD2228 Royal Docks - Transfer of land for Crossrail

1.1 Transport for London (TfL) requires a transfer of land at the Connaught Tunnel, Royal Docks to allow the long-term maintenance and operation of Crossrail infrastructure.

1.2 Under the Crossrail Act 2008 Transport for London has the ability to compulsorily purchase land from land owners. Notices have been served on GLA Land and Property (GLAP) for the land required. To ensure that the acquisition process is robust TfL are required to treat GLAP as they would any other land owner.

1.3 This paper proposes that the Mayor approves the level of compensation being offered and that the freehold land can be transferred to Transport for London for Crossrail operational use.

1.4 This paper seeks approval for the transfer of that land and the required associated rights required for access and servicing of Crossrail.

1.5 Currently the land is occupied by Crossrail under licence and the construction works are close to completion.



1.6 The land being transferred is mainly subject to two long leaseholds and the compensation and release of these is being manged directly by Crossrail with the long leaseholders.

1.7 GLAP has been represented by an internal Compulsory Purchase expert and after detailed negotiations they have been able to agree a settlement that can be recommended for approval. The settlement agreed covers both compensation for land taken to facilitate the construction of a control room and pump house as well as rights and easements to allow for access to the new facilities and connecting cables, conduits and pipes to allow the safe and efficient running of the railway.

1.8 An external independent valuer has confirmed that the agreed settlement reflects fair value.

1.9 The details of the land to be transferred and compensation are set out in Part 2.

2.1 Crossrail is due to open the Elizabeth Line in December 2018 and this transfer of land and the associated operational equipment form part of the railway infrastructure. The objective is to transfer the land well in advance of the operation of the railway.

3.1 The transfer of this land is not anticipated to unfairly impact any equality groups.

5.1 The paper is seeking approval for the partial disposal of land at Royal Docks Waterways and the granting of access rights over GLAP’s remaining land, as the result of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), secured by Crossrail. It also requests that the Mayor approve the level of compensation offered by Crossrail.

6.1 Section 30 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (as amended) (GLA Act) gives the Mayor a general power to do anything which he considers will further one or more of the principal purposes of the GLA as set out in section 30(2) which are:

i. Promoting economic development and wealth creation in Greater London;

ii. Promoting social development in Greater London; and

iii. Promoting the improvement of the environment in Greater London

and, in formulating the proposals in respect of which a decision is sought, officers confirm they have complied with the GLA’s related statutory duties to:

• pay due regard to the principle that there should be equality of opportunity for all people;

• consider how the proposals will promote the improvement of health of persons in Greater London, promote the reduction of health inequalities between persons living in Greater London, contribute towards the achievement of sustainable development in the United Kingdom and contribute towards the mitigation of or adaptation to climate change in the United Kingdom; and

• consult with appropriate bodies.

6.2 Sections 1 and 2 of this report indicate that the Mayor has the power to proceed to make the decisions as requested within this report.