Decision details

The purpose of this report is to confirm that the subject property is surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and Officers are authorised to dispose of the property via auction at the earliest opportunity.

RESOLVED - That:
The preferred option / recommendation is to approve OPTION 3.
The sale of the Freehold at Auction. This will include a buy back provision if the site is not developed within 3 years so to protect the Councils commercial position. The trees at the front of the site are to be protected and the verges maintained by the new owners.

Option 1 - To retain the site as public open space.
This option is not recommended for the following reasons:
Retention of the site would result in on-going maintenance / management and security responsibilities for the Council and also incur revenue costs.
It would also be contrary to the Council’s continuing commitment to good Asset Management i.e. to seek wherever possible to make best use of its land and property assets, which in this case would be disposal.
Option 2 - The land is sold to the adjoining occupier.
This option is not recommended as the site would not benefit from being openly marketed and the suggested price is significantly below the estimated value. As such this option would not fulfil the Councils best value obligations.
Option 3 - The sale of the Freehold at Auction. This will include a buy back provision if the site is not developed within 3 years so to protect the Councils commercial position. The trees at the front of the site are to be protected and the verges maintained by the new owners.

Option 1 - To retain the site as public open space.
This option is not recommended for the following reasons:
Retention of the site would result in on-going maintenance / management and security responsibilities for the Council and also incur revenue costs.
It would also be contrary to the Council’s continuing commitment to good Asset Management i.e. to seek wherever possible to make best use of its land and property assets, which in this case would be disposal.
Option 2 - The land is sold to the adjoining occupier.
This option is not recommended as the site would not benefit from being openly marketed and the suggested price is significantly below the estimated value. As such this option would not fulfil the Councils best value obligations.

Consultation has been undertaken with the following; Legal, Finance, Ward Councillors, Parks and Property