Issue - meetings

To secure Cabinet approval to transfer land to Sutton Bridge Parish Council using the provisions set out within Circular 06/2003 (report of the Deputy Chief Executive, Programme Delivery and Assistant Director – General Fund Assets enclosed).

The Portfolio Holder for General Fund Assets and Planning introduced the report, explaining that it sought a decision from the Cabinet to dispose of the parcel of land identified within the report to Sutton Bridge Parish Council. They acknowledged that the disposal represented an undervalue of £29,999, but noted that the Council had already taken a series of decisions to dispose of elements of its land portfolio at market and non?market value in order to support the delivery of its wider investment priorities.

The Portfolio Holder advised that the proposed disposal supported one of the Council’s fundamental priorities: the social well?being of its residents. They explained that the transfer of the land to the Parish Council would enable it to be used for car parking, open space, and other uses associated with the enjoyment of the adjoining residential area.

In presenting the recommendations, the Portfolio Holder confirmed that officers had followed the necessary statutory and procedural requirements to enable the transfer of what was defined as land held for leisure or open?space purposes to another public body.  They noted that the proposal represented an appropriate use of Council assets to support community benefit, particularly for land that held limited development potential but significant local value.

It was noted that the area had historically experienced issues with antisocial behaviour; however, recent regeneration works including redevelopment of the former veterinary building and the removal of old garages had significantly improved the environment, making it cleaner, brighter, and more welcoming.

The proposal to transfer the land to the Parish Council was considered to provide an opportunity for local stewardship, allowing the community to manage and maintain the space in a way that best met residents’ needs. Accordingly, support was expressed for the recommendation.

DECISION:

That Cabinet:

1)    Relies on the provisions contained within the Local Government Act 1972 - General Disposal Consent 2003, as conveyed through Circular 06/03 and approves the disposal of the land shaded blue on the plan attached at Appendix 1 for £1, representing an undervalue of £29,999 to Sutton Bridge Parish Council as doing so ‘is likely to contribute to the achievement of…… the promotion or improvement of social well-being……. of all or any persons resident or present in its area. (Circular 06/03).

2)    Delegates authority to the Strategic and Operational Property Manager, General Fund Assets, to conclude the transfer, following any and all advice received from the Council’s legal advisors in securing suitable and sufficient restrictive covenants within any resulting conveyance that limit the use of the land shaded blue to car parking for and other uses attendant to the use and enjoyment of the adjoining recreational land only, with a 100% overage clause in favour of this or any successor Council being included within any conveyance and triggered by any alternative use the land may be put to, and that;

3)    Notes that the Strategic & Operational Property Manager, General Fund Assets has effected the process set out by Section  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90