Purpose

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) owns the freehold estate of a former farmhouse and agricultural farm buildings at Guernsey Farm, Yapton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex, PO22 6DY, known previously as Smallholding 85. The holding and associated agricultural land and buildings were previously leased out as part of the County Council’s agricultural estate but are vacant following the ending of the previous tenancy. 

Guernsey Farmhouse and its surrounding garden was declared surplus to operational requirements in Key Decision FP02 (24/25) and identified as suitable for a Community Asset Transfer.  Crimsham Farm Community Interest Company was selected as the preferred lessee following a two stage Community Asset Transfer process.

Guernsey Farm Barns comprise large barn buildings and a former farm shop.  The barns have been marketed to let previously as a commercial lease opportunity but despite offers having been received no lettings have been secured.  As a result of the more recent marketing Crimsham Farm CIC have now also submitted a bid to lease the Farm Barns area on commercial terms which are considered acceptable to WSCC subject to contract.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Property has approved that –

(1)  the County Council grants a lease of the Guernsey Farmhouse and garden, Yapton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex, PO22 6DY to Crimsham Farm Community Interest Company (registered company number 12214848), subject to agreement and final terms for 25 years at nil rent per annum; and 

(2)  the County Council grants a lease of the Guernsey Farm Barns, Yapton Road, Middleton-on-Sea, West Sussex, PO22 6DY to Crimsham Farm Community Interest Company (registered company number 12214848) subject to agreement and final terms for 9 years on commercial terms as set out in Appendix A (for Members only);and

(3)  authority is delegated to the Assistant Director (Property and Assets) in conjunction with the Director of Law and Assurance to negotiate, agree and conclude the terms of the leases.