Issue - meetings

A report from the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth is attached.

Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Growth, presented the report regarding the steps to rationalise Council land and buildings, referred to as property assets, many of which were surplus to requirements. This report identified the Phase 1 list of sites and sought approval for the property asset disposals.

Members discussed the report, noting in particular the Wheatfield site, Summerseat House, and Whitefield Library. It was noted that no decisions had been made about the future of any of the sites and that this process would inform what options were available. The Leader advised that this would allow for properties to be utilised in the most appropriate way and confirmed that Ward Members would be engaged and plans would come back to Cabinet for approval as necessary.

Decision:

That:

·         Approval is given for disposal of the Phase 1 property assets that are surplus to requirements.

·         Acceptance that the Brownfield Land Fund will assist with disposal options for the sites identified as housing development sites.

Reasons for the decision:

There are limited Council resources to deal with the constant requests from individuals or third parties looking for opportunities to purchase our property assets. This programme will bring in the required resources to comprehensively allow the Council to dispose of its chosen property assets in a strategic and co-ordinated way, and via a manageable phased approach.

Other options considered and rejected:

None. There is a cost to maintain the Council’s assets and failure to manage them properly could cause a potential health and safety risk, as well as a reputational risk to the Council as the landowner.