Decision

That the Director of
Finance be authorised to dispose of the freehold interest of land
known as land at Penn Meadow, Brixham to Brixham Town Council for a
nominal sum of £1 and subject to a restrictive covenant and
clawback conditions in relation to the land continuing as public
open space, with legal costs associated with the transfer being met
by Brixham Town Council.

Reasons for the decision

Transferring ownership
would allow an opportunity to extend the accessible footpath to the
entrance of Mudstone Lane, resulting in three accessible access
points to Wishings Field.  Wishings
Field would subsequently be extended allowing Brixham Town Council
to formally work with South Devon National Landscape and the
community to promote wildlife habitat, protecting the biodiversity
of the area for future generations.  The
Council would also see the removal of any ongoing maintenance
liability and reduce the necessity for staff and resources to be
deployed to this area.

Alternative options considered

The Council was under
no obligation to consider the transfer and could simply reject the
request.  However, given the
Council’s limited involvement historically with the land and
benefit that would be realised by transferring the land to Brixham
Town Council it would be a missed opportunity should the Council
reject the proposal.