Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

To receive any declarations of interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee, or any conflict of interest.

Councillor Sturgis clarified that the meeting was in relation to his capacity as Cabinet Member for Property, which was an Executive function, whilst Planning was a Council function which he was also responsible for overseeing.

It was also confirmed a letter and email from Martingate Centre Ltds had been received since the production of the agenda and all facts would be taken into account.

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public. This meeting is open to the public, who may ask a question or make a statement. Questions can also be asked by members of the Council. Written notice of questions or statements should be given to Kieran Elliott of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on Monday 4 August 2014. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

No questions or statements had been received for receipt at the meeting.

Report author: Dr Carlton Brand – Corporate Director

The report of the Strategic Projects and Development Manager was received, before considering whether to exclude any members of the public from the next stage of the meeting.

This is to give further notice in accordance with paragraph 5 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 of the intention to take the following item in private.

To consider passing the following resolution:

To agree that in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in Item Number 5 because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in  paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking item in private:

Paragraph 3 - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

It was,

Resolved:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the public from the meeting for the business specified in Item Number 5 because it is likely that if members of the public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information as defined in  paragraph 3 of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the public.

Reason for taking item in private:

Paragraph 3 - information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

To consider the attached appendices which contain exempt information in relation to item 3 above.

The Cabinet Member considered the confidential reports on the unconditional offer of Martingate Centre Ltd and the conditional offer of Hadston Ltd in respect of the proposed sale of Corsham Mansion House and Library, taking into account the financial and other details provided in the report and the risks to each offer detailed therein.

At the conclusion of consideration, it was,

Resolved:

After careful consideration, it has been decided to accept Martingate Centre Ltds unconditional offer, on condition that contracts are exchanged within six weeks of receipt of legal documentation.

Reason:

While the alternate bid from Hadston Ltd was higher, it was conditional, whereby the risks could not be adequately mitigated within the terms of the offer.

The Cabinet Member considered the confidential reports on the unconditional offer of Martingate Centre Ltd and the conditional offer of Hadston Ltd in respect of the proposed sale of Corsham Mansion House and Library, taking into account the financial and other details provided in the report and the risks to each offer detailed therein.

At the conclusion of consideration, it was,

Resolved:

After careful consideration, it has been decided to accept Martingate Centre Ltds unconditional offer, on condition that contracts are exchanged within six weeks of receipt of legal documentation.

Reason:

While the alternate bid from Hadston Ltd was higher, it was conditional, whereby the risks could not be adequately mitigated within the terms of the offer.