Purpose

For Cabinet to consider the asset transfer of
Woodlands Hall to a community organisation under the Community Asset Transfer
policy.

Decision

RESOLVED that
 

the update in
respect of the Community Asset Transfer process that has been
undertaken in relation to the Woodlands Hall site be
noted.
the asset transfer
of Woodlands Hall and site to the Preferred Operator, Y Plus Youth
Services CIC, on a leasehold basis be agreed.
the ongoing EHDC
operation of Woodlands Hall up to the end of September 2025 to
enable the asset transfer of an active community facility be
agreed.
authority be
delegated to the Interim Executive Director of Operations, in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Development,
to agree the asset transfer terms with the Preferred Operator, Y
Plus Youth Services CIC.

 
Reasons for the decision
 
To approve the leasing of
Woodlands Hall to a community group.
 
Alternative Options Considered
 
OPTION 1 – Do nothing. As
per the agreement from Cabinet in 2023 the continued operation by
EHDC of Woodlands Hall is secured to June 2025 only. At which point
the hall will close to the public and the asset will no longer
function as a community building. This leaves EHDC with ongoing
liability of insurance and mothballing an empty building. This
brings with it the risk of the site attracting fly_tipping, anti-social behaviour and criminal
damage, potentially incurring further costs.
 
OPTION 2 – Transfer the
hall and site to the preferred operator identified by the CAT
policy process. If approved, the process to transfer the asset will
enter into a period of negotiation, during which the legal
agreement will be drawn up to the satisfaction of both parties.
This option allows for cost savings for EHDC and the continued
operation of the Woodlands Hall as a community facility.
 
OPTION 3 – Disposal of
the site on the open market – the EHDC owned site could be
placed on the open market if the conclusion of the CAT process is
not supported by Cabinet. However, it is unlikely that bidders
would retain the building for its ongoing community use and
therefore the provisions of Policy CP16 would be applied. This
would mean that any future owners would be obliged to find
alternative provision in the local area, it is considered that this
will make the option for market ownership unattractive. Given the
site is on contaminated land, there are constraints to alternative
uses.
 
The
call-in deadline is Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 4.00 pm.