The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel met on Tuesday 02 June 2026 to discuss the disposal of council land holdings, the sale of County Hall and Leahoe House, the development of nursing home provision, and an update on Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Key decisions included agreeing to declare council land south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and to authorise its disposal, selecting City & Country as the preferred bidder for County Hall and Leahoe House, endorsing a social investment model for new nursing home provision, and noting progress on the relocation of Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies.

Future of Land Holdings South of A505, Royston

The panel recommended that Cabinet declare council-owned land holdings south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and authorise their disposal. This land, acquired in the 1980s for highways and education purposes but never used, is now considered surplus to requirements. The council will pursue a joint sale with the Highfield Land Trust (HLT), as both parcels of land have been allocated in the North Herts District Local Plan for approximately 100 homes. The terms of the disposal will be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance. Councillor Biddle raised concerns about potential challenges from former owners or their successors regarding Crichel Downs obligations, but officers stated that any successful claim would require payment at market value and that a public advertising window would be included in the marketing strategy to mitigate delays. Councillor Albert and Councillor Kistol inquired about road access, agricultural land quality, and the future of former school sites. Officers confirmed that the land is classified as Grade 2 agricultural land, but the North Herts Local Plan deemed the need for housing in a sustainable location outweighed the loss of this land. The former school sites are not part of the proposed disposal. Councillor Thomason questioned the consideration of alternative agricultural land and community value, while Councillor Biddle expressed concern about the permanent loss of public land. The recommendation to declare the land surplus and authorise its disposal was carried, with Councillor Richard Roberts abstaining.

Sale of County Hall and Leahoe House & Gardens, Hertford

The panel recommended that Cabinet declare County Hall and Leahoe House & Gardens surplus to requirements and authorise their disposal to City & Country as the preferred bidder. City & Country, a developer with experience in heritage sites, intends to redevelop County Hall into a predominantly residential scheme, retaining and converting existing buildings for sustainability and heritage preservation. Leahoe House & Gardens will also be developed for residential use. The cricket pitch and woodland at County Hall, designated as an Asset of Community Value, will be protected from development and enhanced for recreation and nature, with ongoing discussions with Richard Hale School regarding potential educational use. The bid from Hertford Town Council for the cricket pitch and woodland was declined due to potential negative impacts on the overall sale value and cohesiveness of the County Hall site, though protections for community use will be included in the sale agreement. Councillor Carter raised concerns about the lack of detail on the number of dwellings, potential traffic increases, the future use of the council chamber, and the protection of green spaces and allotments. Councillor Rowlands questioned the main challenges City & Country anticipate, to which they responded that heritage, ecology, and community consultation would be key. Councillor Crystal and Councillor Williams expressed support for the proposal, highlighting the importance of community engagement and the potential for the council chamber to serve future democratic functions. Councillor Thompson raised concerns about the financial risks and the need for cast-iron guarantees regarding the future use of the council chamber and ballroom. Officers confirmed that legal mechanisms could be put in place to preserve outdoor spaces, but prescriptive use of internal heritage spaces might hinder economic sustainability. The sale is expected to generate a significant capital receipt and reduce substantial ongoing running costs for the council. The recommendation to select City & Country as the preferred bidder was carried, with an amendment to ensure the panel receives a report on the final commercial terms before the delegated decision is taken.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire

The panel endorsed the social investment model as the preferred option for developing additional nursing home capacity in Hertfordshire and approved its progression to implementation. This model involves external investors funding and developing new nursing homes, with the council entering into long-term lease arrangements and sub-leasing provision to care providers. This approach aims to deliver six to eight new nursing homes, creating around 600 additional beds, including 150-200 affordable beds for council-supported residents, with the first homes expected to open from 2028. Councillor Thompson raised concerns about the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the programme's timeline and locations, and the challenge of workforce recruitment and retention. Officers confirmed the programme is designed to be flexible regarding LGR and that homes will be spread across potential future unitary authorities. They also outlined strategies for workforce recruitment and retention, including robust procurement plans and a five-year commissioning strategy focused on training. Councillor Hurst expressed strong support for the proposal, drawing on personal experience as a carer. Councillor Crystal inquired about the potential for outcome-based benefits for residents, to which officers explained the focus on goal-based care and system working with health and community partners. Councillor Albert raised questions about internal capacity to deliver the programme and the financial risks associated with provider insolvency. Officers assured the panel that capacity within the Connect and Prevent programme had been strengthened and that provider viability would be carefully managed through contract frameworks and rent levels. Councillor Rowlands questioned the realism of the ambitious timeline and the importance of early consultation with councillors, while Councillor Biddle asked about rebalancing care home needs across future unitaries and potential financial imbalances. Officers confirmed the programme targets areas with the biggest affordable care gaps and that the approach aims to balance the care economy. Councillor Williams expressed support for the report, noting its financial and family benefits. The recommendations to endorse the social investment model and approve its progression to implementation were carried.

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Update

The panel was invited to share their thoughts on the direction of the service and note the progress towards a new building for Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS), which will future-proof the service post-local government reorganisation and as the collection increases in size. HALS aims to deliver high-quality heritage services that inspire discovery and lifelong learning, reflecting the county's diversity. The service has seen strong performance in visitor numbers, learning events, and volunteer contributions. Plans are underway for a new, purpose-built archive facility co-located with Hertford Fire and Ambulance Station, with a projected completion date of January 2030. This move is essential to address the limitations of the current ageing premises and to meet accreditation standards. Councillor Biddle raised concerns about financial and operational contingencies for the new building, to which officers responded that a significant contingency budget is included to manage cost risks and inflation. Councillor Thompson highlighted the importance of protecting heritage assets and requested further updates on the build's progress, while also noting potential financial risks. Officers confirmed that financial details would be brought to the panel as the project progresses and that an addendum summarising the current financial position could be circulated. Councillor Rowlands inquired about the post-LGR proposal for archives and the coordination of services across the county. Officers explained that a dedicated workstream within the LGR programme is focusing on cultural development, aiming for a shared service model across future unitary authorities. Councillor Albert echoed the need for joined-up working across archives and the importance of volunteer involvement in the relocation process. Councillor Thompson raised concerns about the financial oversight of HALS, particularly in light of LGR, and requested a financial update. Officers agreed to provide an addendum on the current financial position. Councillor Biddle asked about maintaining statutory duty access during the proposed 10-12 month closure period for the move. Officers confirmed that plans would be made to maintain access for legal and statutory purposes, though general inquiry access would be minimised. The panel noted the report and expressed support for the service's direction and progress towards the new building.

The next Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel meeting was scheduled for 14 July 2026.