Decision details

To secure Portfolio Holder approval for the acquisition of a strategic site in South Holland district. The acquisition is to be funded from the Council’s approved budget for strategic land acquisitions. Revenue funding for the post acquisition technical studies, design and associated matters to determine layout and future operation of to be funded from the Council’s Growth and Investment Reserve details of which are set out in the report.

Recommendations 1 and 2 below require approval by the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Planning in order to proceed with the acquisition.

1.    To agree to the acquisition of this strategic site at the purchase price set out in the exempt report including costs associated with purchase all funded from the Council’s approved capital strategic acquisitions budget and associated costs of up to £3,000 in legal fees

2.    To authorise the Assistant Director – General Fund Assets in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Assets and Planning to work with the Strategic & Operational Property Manager to negotiate and conclude terms for the acquisition, appoint solicitors and enter into contracts and deal with any other matters that may arise during the acquisition process.

Authority is required through this decision notice for officers to progress with the acquisition of this asset. The site is well located and meets the search criteria agreed with lead members. Ownership and with it control of the site, provides the basis for projects which can enhance biodiversity and increase the number of trees in the District.

The only practical way to ensure that the Council can fully influence the future strategic use of the site is by intervening now and acquiring the asset. The site is available to the Council in advance of wider marketing. This opportunity may not exist if the decision to proceed is not taken now.

This Portfolio Holder decision is about acquiring the site and is not a decision about future investment and management arrangements which will be subject to further decision/s in accordance with the Council’s governance processes.

Option 1 - Chose not to acquire this site - South Holland District Council chose to pursue an alternative site. Sites considered suitable for biodiversity/ woodland creation rarely come to the market and if they do there is often a lot of market interest. Consequently this option is not recommended

Option 2 - Do nothing – this option would mean the Council does not acquire this site. Consequently this option is not recommended

Option 3 - Recommended Option – South Holland District Council purchase the site. The area is well located and officers consider that it is well suited to be used for bio diversity and woodland creation. 

None confirmed.