Purpose

The request for the addition of part of a premises to the Community Premises Portfolio. This is a minor administrative variation to the criteria as the site has been vacant since 2021 and does not fully meet the criteria agreed in Cabinet 2021.

Decision

DECISION:

1. To include the former Bow One Stop Shop area and Room 1.4 of John Onslow House within the Community Premises Portfolio until the site is redeveloped.
2. To note the Equalities Impact Assessment screening set out in Paragraph 4 of the report.

REASONS FOR DECISION: 

1. John Onslow House has been chosen as the most suitable site to operate a culturally sensitive substance misuse centre following an options appraisal of available sites within the Council. The budget for delivering the service was set in Council January 2024.
2. The funding for the project delivery has been set in full council and will be delivered by a VCS organisation. In order for the council to charge a community rent for the space, it needs to be added to the community premises portfolio. However, the space does not meet some of the criteria for a property to be added to the Community Portfolio agreed at Cabinet in 2021. It is proposed that the Mayor agrees to waive these criteria in this case. This will allow the occupation of the area in John Onslow House which has been vacant for over 4 years with no intended council use and no income to the council. By bringing the site in the CPP, the council will generate £53,907 per annum for rent (based on the community rent being paid by the VCS provider).

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1. Do not add the areas in question to the CPP. The substance misuse centre, operated by a VCS organisation, would be required to pay market rent which would have a financial impact to the council commissioning the service.
2. Lease out the space on commercial terms. The premises along with other space in the building was previously marketed. In order to generate a commercial rental income extensive works to bring the space up to standard would be required, of which no council funds were available as this site is earmarked for housing redevelopment in 2031. Alternatively, the council could allow a substantial rent-free period to an in-going tenant in return for them carrying out a programme of work.

Action by: Corporate Director of Housing and Regeneration