Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: May 22, 2025

Purpose: To approve the grant of the lease-leasehold interest of the subject property as laid out within this report. To authorise the Joint Assistant Director for Assets and Property to negotiate terms for the long-leasehold disposal of the car park adjacent to The Parrot Public House, in Shalford, at best consideration and subsequently enter into all relevant legal documentation required to complete the lease in return for a capital receipt.

Content: Decision: 1.            Advertise, for consultation purposes, the potential disposal of the land identified in Appendix 1, subject to the costs of such advertisement being met by Pearmain Pubs.   2.            Authorise the Joint Assistant Director for Assets and Property, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to consider any responses to the consultation and decide whether to negotiate and enter an agreement for lease and subsequent lease, provided this obtains best consideration and Pearmain Pubs meet any costs, including the Council’s legal and surveying fees, in relation to the deregistration of the common land.  3.            Authorise the Joint Assistant Director for Assets and Property to make an application to the Secretary of State under s16 of the Commons Act 2006 for the deregistration of the land identified in Appendix 1 and approve the provision of the land identified in Appendix 2 as replacement common land. Reason(s): 1.            This proposal will support the derelict public house to be brought back into beneficial use, creating employment and increasing local amenities. 2.            This proposed transaction would represent good estate management bringing assets back into beneficial use and will support the redevelopment of the public house. 3.            To generate a capital receipt that will contribute towards the target to secure £50 million (net) of capital receipts from the disposal of General Fund property assets, as set out in the Council’s Financial Recovery Plan to reduce Council debt and achieve a sustainable financial position. Other options considered and rejected by the Executive: 1.            To make an application to deregister the land and provide replacement land without entering an agreement for lease with Pearmain Pubs.  This would mean that the Council would have to cover the costs of the application and there is no guarantee that the application would be successful.  If the application was granted the Council would then be able to decide on the most appropriate use of the car park.  2.            Not to take any steps in relation to the car park.  This would leave the car park in a state of disrepair for an unknown period of time and costing the Council void property costs including repair and maintenance.  It would also be likely to impact on the potential to bring The Parrot public house back in to operation having a negative impact on the area.   Details of any conflict of interest declared by the Leader or lead councillors and any dispensation granted: None.