Purpose

This report seeks approval for the Council (Vendor) to dispose of the Former Sands Public House and land (The Property) to GSL Developments Limited (the Purchaser) by way of two leases on the Heads of Terms set out in Appendix 1.

Decision

Decision(s):

1. The approved disposal of the Former Sands Public House Ainsdale to GSL Development Limited, as detailed within this report be noted; and
2. the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer was authorised to complete the necessary legal documentation.

Reasons for the recommendation:

The proposed disposal supports the Council’s wider strategic objectives associated with the Ainsdale on Sea Eco-Vision.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The Sands forms part of the recently adopted Ainsdale Coastal Gateway Vision. Alternative options considered included the Council acting as developer and taking on the delivery of funding the planning, demolition, development and leasing stages. This was rejected on the basis that the Council would face significant costs and all other associated risks associated with development.

Not proceeding with the proposed disposal would result in a persistent risk associated with the very poor condition of the vacant and dilapidated buildings and continued risk from further ongoing deterioration.