Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment

(Appendix 3 of this report is exempt.)

Cabinet Member:     Councillor Lelliott

Commissioner:         Kenny (in advisory role)

Recommendations:-

1.    That Cabinet approve the disposal of Wath District Office as shown edged in red at Appendix 1, as detailed within Option 1 of this report (should the disposal not complete within the six-month statutory moratorium period then it is recommended that Option 2 is pursued instead).

2.    That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised to negotiate and agree the terms and conditions of the proposed disposal in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, with the Assistant Director of Legal Services negotiating and completing the necessary legal documentation.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the disposal of the former Wath District Office, Church Street, Wath, which was declared surplus to requirements.

The recommended proposal (Option 1 as set out in the report) was to allow the District Office to be used for the benefit of the local community.  Community interest groups such as Wath Hall Ltd. were to be given the opportunity to bid during the statutory moratorium period.

Wath Hall Ltd. have been using the building and were given a six months period to secure funding so that a community asset transfer lease may be granted.  However, should the completion not be achieved during the statutory moratorium period the District Office would be disposed of at market value.

The site did have areas of green space which were used by the local community several times throughout the year. Because of the continued community use of these areas it was proposed that, should the site be disposed of, a restrictive covenant be put in place restricting any future development and any new owner from preventing access for community purposes.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the disposal of Wath District Office be approved, as shown edged in red at Appendix 1, as detailed within Option 1 of this report (should the disposal not complete within the six month statutory moratorium period then it is recommended that Option 2 is pursued instead).

(2)  That the Assistant Director of Planning, Regeneration and Transport be authorised to negotiate and agree the terms and conditions of the proposed disposal in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy, with the Assistant Director of Legal Services negotiating and completing the necessary legal documentation.