The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss the future of council landholdings, the sale of County Hall and Lehoe House, the development of nursing home provision, and an update on Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Key decisions included agreeing to declare council land south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements for disposal, selecting City & Country as the preferred bidder for the sale of County Hall and Lehoe House, endorsing a social investment model for new nursing home provision, and noting progress towards a new building for Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies.

Future of Landholdings South of A505, Royston

The panel agreed to declare council landholdings south of the A505 in Royston, totalling approximately 100 homes worth of residential development, as surplus to requirements. This land, acquired in the 1980s for highways and education purposes but never used, will be disposed of. A joint sale strategy with the Highfield Land Trust, which owns adjacent land, will be pursued to enable a comprehensive residential development scheme. Terms of the disposal will be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance. Councillor Mark Biddle raised concerns about potential challenges from former owners or successors due to the land's acquisition in the 1980s, but officers assured that any successful claimant would need to pay market value. Councillor Albert questioned the agricultural land quality, noting it was grade two, but acknowledged that the North Herts District local plan prioritised housing delivery in a sustainable location. Councillor Kistol and Councillor Thomason expressed concerns about the loss of grade two agricultural land and its cumulative impact, as well as the loss of community value and open space. Officers confirmed that the land was primarily cropped and not aware of significant public use, but that any redevelopment would need to include publicly accessible open space. Councillor Biddle concluded by stating that public land, once gone, is gone forever, urging careful consideration of the consequences.

Sale of County Hall and Lehoe House & Gardens, Hertford

The panel recommended that Cabinet agree to declare County Hall and Lehoe House & Gardens surplus to requirements and authorise their disposal to City & Country, who were selected as the preferred bidder. City & Country, an experienced developer of heritage sites, plans a predominantly residential development, retaining most existing buildings to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability. They also intend to incorporate community and employment uses in the front sections of County Hall, while protecting the woodland and cricket pitch for nature and recreation. The sale terms will be delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance. Councillor Rachel Carter, speaking as the local member, expressed disappointment that Hertford Town Council's bid for the cricket pitch and woodland was not recommended, stressing the need for solid covenants to protect these community spaces. Concerns were also raised about traffic, parking, the future of the council chamber, and the provision of affordable housing. Councillor Rowan apologised for the use of the term lunatic asylum in the presentation and asked about the main challenges City & Country anticipated, to which they responded that heritage, ecology, and balancing development with these factors would be key. Councillor Crystal highlighted the importance of community engagement and respecting the site's embeddedness in the community. Councillor Williams questioned the cohesiveness of the open space strategy and the protection of allotments. Councillor Thompson expressed concerns about the heritage elements and the potential loss of public access to the council chamber and ballroom, stating that a developer's suggestion of using it as an entertainment space was not good enough. Councillor Albert sought assurances on the iterative process of consultation and the binding commitments for community use, particularly regarding the cricket pitch and pathways. Simon Vernon Harcourt from City & Country assured the panel that they were open to ideas and suggestions and would engage with local groups and the town council. Councillor Taylor questioned the officers on powers to firm up public access and civic uses, and the financial realities of not progressing the sale. James Barber, Head of Disposals, confirmed that legal mechanisms could be put into the sale contract to preserve outside spaces, but being too prescriptive about internal uses could hinder the process. The finance director confirmed significant financial implications of not proceeding, including ongoing running costs and the loss of a capital receipt. Councillor Stuart Roberts sought reassurance on the active consultation process, and Simon Vernon Harcourt provided examples of their proactive engagement strategies. Councillor Biddle questioned the possibility of creating a trust for the cricket pitch and woodland, which officers stated would be part of the management agreement and defined within the terms of sale. Councillor Thompson reiterated concerns about financial risks and the need for legal advice. Scott, Head of Corporate Finance, proposed that the final terms of the commercial deal be reported back to the panel for consideration and comment before the delegated decision is taken.

Sale of County Hall and Lehoe House & Gardens, Hertford - Decision

The panel recommended that Cabinet agree to declare County Hall and Lehoe House & Gardens surplus to requirements and authorise their disposal to City & Country. They also agreed to decline the bid from Hertford Town Council for the cricket pitch and woodland, with assurances that these areas would be protected for recreation and nature. The final agreement of the sale terms was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, with the amendment that the panel would be presented with a report on the final terms before the delegated decision is taken.

Future of Landholdings South of A505, Royston - Decision

The panel recommended that Cabinet agree to declare HCC's assets south of the A505 in Royston as surplus to requirements and authorise their disposal. They also agreed to the strategy of pursuing a joint disposal with the Highfield Land Trust, subject to satisfactory terms, and delegated the approval of terms to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire - Decision

The panel endorsed the Social Investment Model as the preferred option for delivering additional nursing home capacity. They approved its progression to implementation, including identifying investors and developers, and entering into lease and sublease arrangements. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with relevant executive members, to enter into contractual and lease agreements. The inclusion of the Hitchin Road Stevenage scheme was approved, and it was noted that external resources would be secured for delivery.

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Update - Decision

The panel noted the report on Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, acknowledging the progress towards a new building that will future-proof the service post-Local Government Reorganisation. They also agreed that a report on the progress of the build would be brought back to the panel. Councillor Thompson raised concerns about the financial aspects of the new building project, and officers agreed to provide an addendum summarising the current financial position. Councillor Biddle questioned how statutory duty access would be maintained during the 10-12 month shutdown period for the move, and officers confirmed that plans would be made for legal and statutory access, with minimal general inquiry access during the closed period. The panel also noted the importance of continued collaboration with district archives and the potential use of volunteers for the decanting process.

The next Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel meeting was scheduled for 14 July 2026.