Issue - meetings

 Report by Alistair Cunningham, Corporate Director

Councillor Toby Sturgis presented the report which outlined the options to Cabinet so that they might make a decision on whether to declare the freehold interest of the Council’s land holding in Rudloe for disposal either selectively or as a whole, and to confirm a preferred option for disposal. In moving his recommendations, Councillor Sturgis suggested that resolution two be amended to specify that the community’s requirements be considered.

Representations were received from the following at the meeting:

Councillor Ben Anderson, the local division member, stated that he was aware of the concerns of those in the area, and hoped that development in the area would address some of these concerns sensitively, with particular reference to parking, community space and parks/green spaces.

Councillor Brian Matthew, from a neighbouring local division, asked that the potential community benefit arising from commercial development be considered.

Phil Bowley, from GreenSquare, expressed his organisations desire to work with community groups to see how best their requirements can be met by the development.

Paul Turner expressed concern that the development would not meet the needs of the community and stressed the importance of community facilities.

Francis Tristam, owner of the Camomile Café, outlined her alternative proposals for site.

Councillor Ruth Hopkinson, from a neighbouring local division, stated that she recognised the problems with the existing community centre building, but emphasised the need to improve facilities for the community.

Councillor Philip Whalley, from a neighbouring local division, stated that there was need for more social housing and that he hoped the needs of the community would be addressed by the development.

In response to the issues raised, and with the support expressed from colleagues in the Cabinet, Councillor Sturgis stated that he would work with GreenSquare, with whom the Council had a good working relationship, to investigate what funding was available to address the communities needs.

Resolved

1.    To declare the Council’s freehold land and property holding in Rudloe (See Annex 1 – Plan) as surplus and for disposal either in its entirety or selectively. If a disposal of part only of the site transpires as the outcome, elements of the site would remain in Council ownership.

2.    To support the recommendation on the preferred option to engage in negotiations with GreenSquare, to include consideration of community requirements, with a view to a transfer to GreenSquare of the Council’s freehold interest required for their regeneration scheme within an agreed timescale, potentially at an under-value and on terms to be agreed.

3.    To confirm disposal of part or the whole of the Council’s freehold land and property in Rudloe on the open market if negotiations are unsuccessful with GreenSquare.

Reason for Decision:

To confirm the freehold interests of the Council’s assets in Rudloe can be sold, with the primary aim to increase affordable housing provision in Rudloe through partnership working with GreenSquare to enable their proposed regeneration scheme.