Decision details

The Chair invited Cllr Graham Lawman, Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets to introduce a reportthat sought approval to progress the sale of general fund vacant property and land assets deemed surplus on the Council’s asset register in order to facilitate local redevelopment and support the Council's capital receipt programme.

It was noted that the Council had inherited a number of assets from the former borough and district councils, with many of these previously approved for disposal prior to unitarisation. If approved, the sale of the six specified assets would not only support the capital receipt programme but save ongoing maintenance costs and assist with the Council’s five-year land supply as well as the regeneration of the areas in which they were located.

RESOLVED

KEY DECISION

That the Executive granted delegations to the Executive Member for Highways, Travel & Assets, in consultation with the Assistant Director for Assets & Environment, to progress the sale and agree the disposal terms of six sites:

Reasons for Recommendations:

·         The Council has fiduciary responsibilities to progress surplus vacant sites within a reasonable time, which government policy recommends no later than three years, to ensure value for money is achieved. The recommendation supports this outcome.

·         Progressing these disposals will further the strategic plans for these sites and support the investment to date.

·         Bringing sites forward for development contributes to North Northants area housing supply and to regeneration of their respective areas.

·         The capital receipts will be used to progress strategic capital projects which align to the Council’s Corporate Plan.

·         There is market demand to bring the sites forward, with market testing confirming private sector interest. The Council will continue to determine development through the planning policy and process.

·         Progressing these sites will result in the Council reducing the revenue holding costs.

Alternative Options Considered:

·         Where appropriate relevant services have been made aware of the property’s availability, but none have been deemed suitable for any ongoing requirements. 

·         These sites have incurred substantial public fundings as part of the legacy council strategic objectives. The only realistic return on that funding is to progress per the recommendation above.