Purpose

Approval to accept the highest unconditional offer.

Decision

The Cabinet Member:

1)       accepted the highest offer received.

b)       authorised the Director of Property to negotiate and agree heads of terms for the disposal with the recommended purchaser.

c)      agreed that the Director of Property would instruct the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to prepare and conclude the necessary documentation for the sale.

Reasons for the decision

The Land had been declared surplus to requirements and it will provide a capital receipt.

The disposal will help achieve the savings targets and revenue target, which is a key action in the Council Plan 2021-2025.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing: The  buildings at Chatsworth Hall were deemed surplus to requirements following a review of the Councils property assets in Matlock and closed. The unoccupied building will now deteriorate and could pose a danger to the public if left unsecured. The cost of securing and retaining the asset for future use is cost prohibitive.

Retaining/remodelling the asset would require significant capital investment and would not be financially viable.

Demolishing the building prior to marketing had been considered, however, this would incur a significant cost and time delay and rule out any buyer who might want to remodel or make use of the existing fabric of the building

Appoint an external consultant to obtain outline planning consent for either a commercial, mixed use or residential development scheme prior to marketing. This option would incur a significant cost and time delay and rule out any buyer who might want to remodel or make use of the existing fabric of the building. In addition, there would be no guarantee that this would result in a significantly higher capital receipt.