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

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

The committee approved a supplemental academy lease for part of the Torc Campus in Tamworth to the Endeavour Multi-Academy Trust. This lease adjustment will allow for the expansion of Two Rivers School, a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school. The area in question was previously occupied by South Staffordshire College, which has vacated the rooms as it consolidates its provision into a new building. The lease is not for value, aligning with standard academy lease agreements and the council's obligation to provide school building facilities. Councillor Hayley Coles, whose ward includes the Torc Campus, declared an interest but was able to vote on this item. The decision was approved unanimously.

Sale of Properties at Mount Road, Leek

The committee agreed to the sale of two former care homes, Kniveden and Spring Hill, located on Mount Road in Leek, to Raine Holdings Ltd. These properties have been unused as care homes for many years. While a higher conditional offer had been received previously, it was withdrawn. The committee opted to accept a lower, unconditional offer from Raine Holdings Ltd, as it was deemed to represent the best overall value to the council due to its certainty and avoidance of continued holding costs. It was noted that the building at Kniveden Hall is not listed and has had several 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 Local Member raised concerns about the cumulative impact of significant housing development in the area on local infrastructure and community facilities. The Methodist Church had expressed interest in acquiring the land to rebuild their church and support community work. A request was made to defer the decision to allow for discussions with the Methodist Church. However, it was clarified that outline planning consent had already been granted for the site. The committee agreed to delegate the final details of the transaction to the Assistant Director for Commercial Assets in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, allowing the sale to progress while enabling further discussions with the Methodist Church. Should a viable alternative proposal emerge from the church, 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 farm holdings, 22 Cocknage and 3 Pessall, as progression opportunities for existing starter tenants. These holdings will be let under modern farm business tenancies, with the potential to be offered on the open market if there is insufficient interest from current tenants. The proposed rents are expected to increase annual estate income. Decision-making authority regarding tenant selection and tenancy terms was delegated to the County Farms Tenancies Panel, and legal completion was delegated to the Head of Economic Growth and Delivery.