Issue - meetings

To consider exempt information in relation to the disposal of a property in Redhill.

RESOLVED that the exempt information in relation to the disposal of a property in Redhill be noted.   

RESOLVED that the exempt information in relation to the disposal of a property in Redhill be noted.   

To consider the disposal of a property in Redhill.

RESOLVED that:

(i)            The disposal of a property in Redhill to the existing lessee, as referred to in the exempt Part 2 report, be authorised.

(ii)          The Director of Finance and Organisation, in consultation with the Executive Member for Property and Acquisitions and Executive Member for Finance, be authorised to agree final terms of the sale.    

The Leader of the Council, Councillor M.A. Brunt, invited the Executive to consider the disposal of a property in Redhill. During the discussion, the following information was noted by the Executive:

-       The property provided supported housing and was used as 5 self-contained bedsit residential units for adults with a mild or moderate learning difficulty or disability.

-       The lessee, a registered charity, had long expressed an interest in purchasing the freehold.

-       The disposal offered significant benefits in financial terms and also offered benefits to the broader community by ensuring the continued use of the property as supported living accommodation. 

-       The Council had commissioned a valuation of the property in accordance with s123 Local Government Act 1972 to ensure best consideration was obtained.

-       Subject to Executive approval, a sale figure had been agreed at the valuation level. 

In response to questions, Councillor Brunt highlighted that the potential disposal had been assessed against the Council’s Policy on Disposal of Property and Assessment Management Plan objectives. It was also explained that costs of holding the property, in terms of insurance and improvement work, had been evaluated.

It was noted that full details of the property, including details of the valuation and other financial implications had been set out in the exempt Part 2 report on the agenda.

Clerk’s note – at this point in the meeting (9.22pm) agenda item 13 (Disposal of Property in Redhill) was adjourned so that exempt information could be considered under agenda item 19 (Disposal of Property in Redhill – Exempt) ahead of making a decision.

Clerk’s note – The minutes of the meeting reflect the order of business listed on the published agenda, not the order taken at the meeting.

On conclusion of agenda item 19 (at 9.24pm) the Executive returned to agenda item 13 and;

RESOLVED that:

(i)            The disposal of a property in Redhill to the existing lessee, as referred to in the exempt Part 2 report, be authorised.

(ii)          The Director of Finance and Organisation, in consultation with the Executive Member for Property and Acquisitions and Executive Member for Finance, be authorised to agree final terms of the sale.

Reason for decision: To release latent value from an asset while ensuring the use of the property, as supported living accommodation, is retained.

Alternative options: To renew the lease of the property to the existing tenant or obtain vacant possession and either convert or demolish the property and rebuild.