Purpose

To Grant a long lease of Monkshouse Playing Field and Changing Facilities to Spalding United Youth Foundation, Charity Number 1216384.

Decision

That the Portfolio Holder exercise their delegation to:

·         Declare the land and property assets known as Monkshouse Playing Field and Changing Facilities, edged red on the plan at Appendix 1(but excluding the parts of the plan shaded yellow), surplus.

·         Delegate authority to officers to publish any and all statutory notices required in relation to the potential disposal of the land as it is deemed ‘public open space’.

·         Delegate authority to the Strategic and Operational Property Manager to conclude a lease of the land edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 (but excluding the parts of the plan shaded yellow) to Spalding United Youth Foundation, Charity Number 1216384, to include any and all relevant and necessary covenants and clauses into any lease, following any and all advice received from the Council’s legal advisors.

In the event any representations are made in relation to the Public Notice advertising the disposal of the public open space, this decision shall be stayed until such representations are formally considered by the Cabinet that will then determine whether a disposal proceeds.

Reasons for the decision

The recommendations ensure compliance with the statutory requirements for disposing of public open space and enable the Council to grant a lease at Market Rent, supported by an independent professional valuation, while enabling greater community use and participation in sport enjoyed at the site.

Alternative options considered

Retain the land under existing Council management and do not proceed with a lease – not recommended as the Council is not in a position to drive the same value from the demise.

Offer the site to the open market for a commensurate use – not recommended as numerous other commercial discussions have been effected previously but have not returned a suitable and sustainable position.  The current interest, if secured by the lease recommended here, brings with it external funding to further enhance and improves the demise, access to it and its use for sporting and recreational activity.  The lease recommended will be at the assessed Market Rent, making this a disposal that meets the requirements of Section 123 of the Local Government Act, 1972.