Issue - meetings

  Report by Dr Carlton Brand, Corporate Director

 Cllr Toby Sturgis presented the report which provided an update on the current position in respect of the sale of Middlefields, Hungerdown Lane, Chippenham. The report also recommended that the Cabinet provide guidance on how to proceed.

Issues highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included:

That a number of bids had been received; the impact of drainage and archaeological issues and the mitigations; the impact of the now adopted Core Strategy; that the Council would be considering who would be providing affordable housing as part of any proposals.

Cllr Sturgis stated, in response to a question from Cllr Nina Phillips, that there were no archaeological features on the site to hinder development; and that an agreement had been reached with the Order of St Johns agreement which should address the concerns over care provision.

Cllr Sturgis stated, in response to a statement made by Mr Robert Ticknell, that there had been conditions attached to some of the previously received bids, and it was felt appropriate to remarket the site now that further information was available. Cllr Sturgis, furthermore, stated that he hoped that the remarketing exercise would be over a relatively short period, and that he hoped that it would be concluded by Christmas.

James Cawley, Associate Director, stated that he would bring back report on  what the impact of the decision was with regard to adult social care, and would seek to brief Members as soon as possible.

Resolved

1.    To note the current position in respect of Middlefields;

2.    To approve the sale of part of the site to OSJCT for the construction of a care home; and

3.    To approve an unrestricted re-marketing of the remainder of the site with the information since obtained regarding surface water disposal and archeological issues.

Reason for Decision:

In order to progress the sale of the property and support the delivery of the Core Strategy and affordable housing policies.