Issue - meetings

    Report by Corporate Director Alistair Cunningham

Cllr Toby Sturgis presented a report proposing assets surplus to the Council’s operational requirements and to be added to the list for disposals. Details of each site were provided, in particular the requirements at St Stephens Car Park.

Lance Allan, Trowbridge Town Council, required further detail to clarify whether an option for free parking would be available to a new owner of St Stephens Car Park. Cllr Sturgis responded the parking charges were to be determined by the new owner, but must not exceed an upper limit.

Cllr Payne requested detail how much money the council had spent since April 2009 to maintain the St Stephens car park. Cllr Kirk suggested the car park had been left as a public resource and requested further detail on the arrangements. Cllr Sturgis responded that nothing had been agreed as yet for a future buyer. Baroness Scott suggested a briefing be arranged for Trowbridge councillors to receive answers to detailed questions.

Cllr Thorn questioned why the car park could only be available for freehold purchase by the shopping centre, the open market value, and the impact of a special-purchaser arrangement. Cllr Sturgis advised open market value was limited. It was confirmed a special-purchaser would be in control of the covenant.

Lance Allan expressed concern at the proposal for Manvers House and recommended that public open space also be considered as part of the decision. Cllr Sturgis confirmed open space could be considered, this proposal was just the initial decision.

Resolved:

To confirm that freehold interested of the 4 assets can be sold by the Council;

To note the continuing approach set out in paragraph 8 of the report;

To authorise the Director for Housing and Commercial Development to dispose of the freehold interest in the assets, or in his or her absence, the Corporate Director for Growth, Investment and Place.

To request a briefing is provided for all Trowbridge Area Board members to discuss further the arrangements for St Stephen’s Car Park.

Reason for decision:

To confirm the freehold interest in the assets can be sold in order to generate capital receipts in support of the Council’s capital programme.