Purpose

Overview
In order to maintain the presence of a desired but struggling community supporting function, Lincolnshire County Council (LCC) acquired the Youth Hostel building from the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) at 16 High Street, Thurlby (UPRN S9003) in 2005 and refurbished it in partnership with South Kesteven District Council (SKDC), who contributed grant funding. The property was then leased back to the YHA on a 20 year peppercorn lease.

Following a sustained decline in use, YHA closed the hostel in 2022 and the lease expired in February 2026, leaving the premises in a significantly deteriorated condition.

The premises are now vacant, in poor condition and with limited scope to be income producing without significant investment, have been declared surplus and approved for disposal.

The building has now been openly marketed, generating one offer that has been agreed, subject to planning which was submitted and is due for decision July for redevelopment into a boutique hotel (albeit additional resubmission may be required for technical planning reasons).

Local Councillor Engagement Cllr Gibson
The Council acquired this property to support an important community facility and, whilst it may not have been the strongest financial investment, it fulfilled that purpose for many years.
The building is now vacant and deteriorating and the Council has no specific alternative use for it.

Cllr Redfern
No additional comments to add.

Social Value
The regeneration of the property will have a positive impact for this attractive village centre setting plus the proposed use will attract jobs and transform and enhance the location.

Legal Issues & Other Considerations
Legal Services are ready to exchange conditional (planning) contracts on confirmation of this approval.

Local Government Reorganisation
Consideration has been given to LGR and no negative impacts are anticipated from this disposal.

Decision

To approve the disposal of the former Youth Hostel at High Street, Thurlby, Bourne, conditional upon the purchaser securing planning consent for redevelopment, in order to mitigate ongoing holding costs, reduce financial liability and enable the regeneration of a vacant and deteriorating asset.

Alternative options considered

1. Do nothing - is not recommended due to ongoing costs, deterioration and reputational damage.
2. Re-use – Consideration was given to re-purpose the building as a Children’s Home but the costs were prohibitive and the scheme not viable.
3. Letting – not viable without very long rent free and potential cash incentives due to the condition of the premises.