Decision

Exemption from publication: There are confidential appendices to this report, which are exempt by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 because they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the authority holding that information).

To approve the grant of a new lease to Lidl GB Ltd.(Lidl) in regards 2 free standing trolley bays, Liston Road Car Park, Liston Road, Marlow.

Reasons for the decision

The Council granted a Licence in October 2022 that permitted Lidl to enter onto Liston Road Car Park, Marlow for the purposes of installing 2 free standing trolley bays in connection with their Marlow store which opened in November 2022.

The intention at the time was to then enter a formal lease with Lidl that would cover their occupation of the trolley bays. It is presumed that a lease could not be agreed/put in place prior to the store opening and that granting a Licence was a stop gap.

After protracted negotiations, terms for a new lease have now been agreed and approval is now being sought to complete lease.

The lease terms are set out in the confidential appendix.

The new lease to LIDL is similar, and replaces, a previous arrangement in place with Waitrose, who occupied the store prior to Lidl.

The new rent will generate a revenue to support delivery of the Council’s services and meeting the Council’s obligations under Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972

Alternative options considered

Council does not grant a new lease. Council potentially enters dispute with Lidl in regards non documented occupation of land although original intention was to grant lease.