Content

10.1

The committee considered a report of the Executive
Director of Neighbourhood Services seeking to approve the
commissioning of a suitable operator to carry out food growing
activity within the Glass Houses at Norton Nurseries, Graves Park.
The committee was asked to note the requirements that needed to be
met prior to the grant of this Licence agreement and concession
agreement (as detailed in the Legal Implications section of the
report).

10.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:
That the Charity Trustee Sub-Committee:-

1. Approves the proposed commissioning of an operator to deliver
food growing within the glass houses at Norton Nurseries for up to
5 years.

2. Delegates authority to the Director of Parks Leisure and
Libraries in consultation with the Chief Property Officer and
General Counsel to grant a concession agreement and license to
occupy space within the Glass Houses incorporating a right of
access over land within Graves Park for the chosen operator in
accordance with this report.

 

 

10.3

Reasons for Decision

 

Enabling food growing within the glass houses would further the
charitable objects of the Graves Park Charity by;

·      
Bringing a special, historic and
important facility back into use.

·      
Contribute to Sheffield’s ambitions around the food system
and food growing and thereby improve the lives of the people of
Sheffield.

·      
Bringing much needed investment to the glass houses to reduce the
risk of them falling in to a worse state
of repair.

 

 

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

There
is an option to do nothing which would risk the glass houses
falling into
further
disrepair. Doing nothing would not further the Charity’s
objectives and
an
opportunity to benefit the lives of the public through a
contribution to
ambitions and commitments in the Food Strategy would be
missed.

10.4.2

There is an option to offer a long lease to an operator, but it is
believed this would not be in the best interests of the Graves Park
Charity at this early stage. Therefore, a proposal for a concession
with a licence is recommended so the impact and success of the
project can be assessed and reviewed.