The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss the future of council landholdings south of the A505 in Royston, the sale of County Hall and Leahoe House & Gardens, the development of nursing home provision in Hertfordshire, and an update on Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Key outcomes included the panel noting the report on council land south of the A505 in Royston and recommending that Cabinet declare the land surplus to requirements and authorise its disposal, agreeing to a joint disposal strategy with the Highfield Land Trust. The panel also recommended that Cabinet approve the selection of City & Country as the preferred bidder for the sale of County Hall and Leahoe House & Gardens, subject to a report on the final commercial terms being presented to the panel before the delegated decision is taken. Furthermore, the panel recommended that Cabinet approve the social investment model for the development of new nursing home capacity in Hertfordshire and its progression to implementation. An update on Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies was received, noting progress towards a new building.

Future of Land Holdings South of A505, Royston

The panel was asked to note the report and recommend that Cabinet declare council land holdings south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and authorise their disposal. This land, acquired in the 1980s for education and highways purposes but never used, is now considered surplus to requirements. The council will pursue a joint sale with the Highfield Land Trust (HLT), as both land parcels have been allocated in the North Herts Local Plan for residential development of approximately 100 homes. The recommendation to delegate the approval of disposal terms to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, was also agreed. Councillor Biddle raised concerns about potential challenges from former owners or successors due to Crichel Downs obligations, but officers explained that any claimant would need to pay market value and that an advertising window would be included in the marketing strategy to mitigate delays. Councillor Albert and Councillor Kistol questioned the agricultural land quality and its classification as Grade 2, but it was noted that the North Herts Local Plan had deemed the need for housing in this sustainable location outweighed the loss of agricultural land. Councillor Thomason also raised concerns about the loss of agricultural land and community value, but was assured that the council's rural estate was reviewed regularly and there were no proposals to increase agricultural holdings.

Sale of County Hall and Leahoe House & Gardens, Hertford

The panel recommended that Cabinet approve the selection of City & Country as the preferred bidder for the sale of County Hall and Leahoe House & Gardens. City & Country intend to redevelop County Hall into a predominantly residential scheme, retaining and converting most of the existing buildings, including the Grade II* listed front sections, for community and flexible working uses. The cricket pitch and woodland will be protected from development and enhanced for recreation and nature. Leahoe House & Gardens will also be developed as a residential scheme. The sale is expected to generate a significant capital receipt for the council and reduce ongoing running costs. Councillor Carter, the local member for Hertford, expressed disappointment that Hertford Town Council's bid for the cricket pitch and woodland was not recommended, and raised concerns about traffic, parking, the number of dwellings, affordable housing provision, and the future use of the council chamber. Councillor Rowlands raised concerns about the use of the term lunatic asylum in relation to past developments and asked about the main challenges City & Country anticipate. Councillor Crystal and Councillor Williams highlighted the importance of community engagement and respecting the site's embeddedness within the community. Councillor Thompson expressed strong concerns about the future use of the council chamber and ballroom, emphasizing the need for cast-iron guarantees of public access. Councillor Albert sought clarity on the number of dwellings and affordable housing provision, and requested an iterative process with further panel oversight before final decisions. The recommendation to select City & Country as the preferred bidder was carried, with an amendment to ensure the panel would receive a report on the final commercial terms before the delegated decision was taken.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire

The panel recommended that Cabinet approve a social investment model for the development of new nursing home capacity in Hertfordshire and its progression to implementation. This model involves external investors funding and building new nursing homes, with the council entering into long-term lease arrangements and sub-leasing the provision to care providers. This approach is intended to deliver six to eight new nursing homes, creating around 600 additional beds, including 150 to 200 affordable beds for council-supported residents, with the first homes expected to open from 2028. Councillor Thompson raised concerns about the timescale in relation to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the workforce challenges in the care sector. Kristian Tizzard, Head of Commissioning for Older People, assured that procurement would include credible plans for workforce recruitment and retention, and that a five-year commissioning strategy for older adults and care homes was in place. Councillor Hurst, a carer for someone with dementia, expressed strong support for the proposal, highlighting the difficulties in finding local respite care. Councillor Crystal inquired about the potential for outcome-based benefits for care recipients, and Christian Tizzard explained the focus on goal-based care and system working with health partners. Councillor Albert sought reassurance on internal capacity to deliver the programme and the risk implications of provider insolvency, with Jackie Albery confirming that the team had been strengthened and risks were being actively managed. Councillor Rowlands questioned the realism of the timescale and the importance of early consultation with councillors. The panel recommended that Cabinet approve the social investment model and its progression to implementation.

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Update

The panel noted the report and the progress towards a new building for the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) service, highlighting its vision to inspire discovery and lifelong learning, and its commitment to national accreditation standards. The service welcomed 4,766 research visitors and over 557,000 virtual visitors in 2025/26, with 170 volunteers contributing significantly to its work. Plans are underway for a new, purpose-built archive facility co-located with Hertford Fire and Ambulance Station, with a projected completion date of January 2030. Councillor Biddle raised concerns about the financial and operational contingencies for the new building, and Scott Walker, Head of Corporate Finance, assured that a significant contingency was included in the £19.4 million budget. Councillor Thompson requested a further update on the progress of the build and expressed concerns about the financial implications, particularly in light of LGR. Danny Gregson, Head of Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, confirmed that a dedicated workstream was addressing the implications of LGR, aiming for a shared service model across potential new unitary authorities. Councillor Albert inquired about collaboration with other archives across the county and the use of volunteers for the decanting process. Councillor Rowlands emphasized the importance of protecting heritage services, especially during the current period of financial pressure and LGR. Councillor Thompson requested a Part 2 report on the finances of HALS, which the Chair agreed to provide as an addendum. Councillor Biddle raised concerns about maintaining statutory duty access during the proposed 10-12 month closure period for the move, and Julie Gregson assured that plans would be made for legal and statutory access, with minimal disruption to general inquiry access.

The meeting also included discussions on the sale of land at Highfield Farm, Tyttenhanger, the future of the Former Bill Everett Centre in Watford, terms for the sale of land at Chequersfield, Welwyn Garden City, the future of secure tenancies, the approval of the Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) 2025-2029, and the Hertfordshire County Council Performance Monitor for Quarter 3 2025-26. The panel also noted the Compliments and Complaints Report 2024/25 and a response to a motion regarding Council Tax collection and support schemes.