Decision

(a)     That the principle of the surrender of the Lease over land at Gas House Quay, Stour Road, Harwich is agreed;

(b)     That the terms for the surrender of the lease as set out in the Part B report be approved;

(c)     That the Corporate Director (Planning and Community) be authorised to complete the surrender on those terms and on any other terms he considers necessary in consultation with Legal Services to protect the Council’s position; and

(d)     That the Leader of the Council, on behalf of the Cabinet, agrees to the write-off of the unpaid rent to facilitate the settlement / surrender arrangements set out within the Part B report, and that it be funded from the Corporate Investment Fund (Revenue).

Reasons for the decision

To enable the Council to regain possession of the site, prevent further liabilities from arising under the existing lease, mitigate the risk of further financial loss and allow the property to be marketed to secure a new tenant who can make productive use of the land and pay a current market rent.

Alternative options considered

To retain the current tenant - not proposed, as the tenant has confirmed they have no operational use for the site, are unable to meet ongoing rental obligations and wish to surrender the lease.