The Property Sub-Committee of Staffordshire Council met on Wednesday 20 May 2026, approving a lease adjustment for Two Rivers School and the sale of properties at Mount Road, Leek. The committee also agreed to the disposal of land at The Rise and the reletting of two county farms.

Lease of part of the Torc Campus, Silver Link Road, Tamworth (Two Rivers)

The committee approved the adjustment of the lease area at the Torc Campus to accommodate the expansion of Two Rivers School. The site is jointly occupied by Two Rivers School and South Staffordshire College. South Staffordshire College has vacated some rooms, which will now be incorporated into a supplemental academy lease for the Endeavour Multi-Academy Trust. This move is part of the capital programme to provide additional facilities for Two Rivers School, a special school. The lease variation is not for value, aligning with standard academy lease agreements. Councillor Hayley Coles, who represents Tamworth, The Heaths ward where Torc Campus is located, declared an interest and did not vote on this item. The decision was approved unanimously.

Sale of Properties at Mount Road, Leek

The committee approved the sale of two unoccupied properties at Mount Road, Leek, known as Kniveden and Spring Hill, to Raine Holdings Ltd. These sites have not been used as care homes for many years. Although a higher conditional offer had been received, it was withdrawn due to the developer's inability to secure a residential housing provider. The committee accepted a lower, unconditional offer from Raine Holdings Ltd, which was recommended by officers as representing the best overall value to the council. This decision balances financial return with certainty and risk reduction, avoiding continued holding costs and facilitating development in line with the Local Development Plan. It was noted that Kniveden Hall is not a listed building and includes later additions of limited aesthetic value. The final details of the transaction, excluding the price, were delegated to the Assistant Director for Commercial and Assets.

Land at The Rise

The committee approved the sale of land at The Rise to MAG DWF Ltd for £375,000, subject to satisfactory legal searches. The decision was made following discussions about the potential impact of further housing development in the area. A local member had raised concerns about the cumulative impact on infrastructure and community facilities, and specifically highlighted the Methodist Church's interest in acquiring the land to rebuild their church and support community work. The local member requested a deferral to allow discussions with the Methodist Church. While officers confirmed that the land had been publicly advertised and the church had an opportunity to express interest, a procedural amendment was made to delegate finalisation of the transaction to the Assistant Director for Commercial Assets in conjunction with Councillor Sean Bagguley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources. This approach allows the sale to progress while enabling further discussions with the Methodist Church. Any offer from the church would be assessed against the current valuation, and if a viable alternative proposal emerged, it would be brought back to the committee for a separate decision.

Reletting of County Farms at 22 Cocknage and 3 Pessall Holdings

The committee approved the reletting of two county farms, 22 Cocknage and 3 Pessall Holdings, as progression lettings in accordance with council policy. These holdings will be let under modern farm business tenancies, initially to existing starter tenants as progression opportunities. The proposed rents are expected to increase annual estate income. Approval was sought due to the full term tenancy values. The decision on the final choice of tenant and tenancy terms was delegated to the County Farms Tenancies Panel, and the final details and completion of all matters were delegated to the Head of Economic Growth and Delivery. No significant risks or undervalue issues were identified.