The Royal Borough of Greenwich Overview and Scrutiny Call-in Sub-Committee met to discuss the call-in of a decision made by the Cabinet on 26 November 2024, regarding the disposal of two council-owned assets: the Greenwich Equestrian Centre and 28 Mereworth Drive (also known as Greengarth). After hearing from councillors and members of the public, the sub-committee voted to approve the original recommendations, allowing the disposal process to move forward.

Asset Disposal Decision

The main item under discussion was a call-in regarding the Cabinet's decision to dispose of the Greenwich Equestrian Centre and 28 Mereworth Drive. Councillors had called in the decision citing a lack of community consultation.

Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Opposition, one of the signatories to the call-in, argued that the council had failed to properly engage with the community, despite its own Community Engagement Pledge. He criticised the council's approach of only doing the bare minimum level of consultation required by law. He also raised concerns about the lack of engagement with British Equestrian and Sport England, who had previously invested in the equestrian centre.

Councillor Roger Tester seconded the call-in, focusing on the 28 Mereworth Drive site. He argued that the Cabinet's decision was made without sufficient information, particularly regarding the Shrewsbury House Community Association's interest in managing the site.

Councillor Averil Lekau, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport, responded by stating that the council was facing severe financial constraints and had to make tough decisions to protect frontline services. She said the disposals were part of a program to ensure better value for money for taxpayers.

Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, added that the properties were being considered for disposal because they were surplus to council requirements. He stated that it is government policy that local authorities should dispose of surplus land wherever possible.

The Director of Place and Growth, Pippa Hack, clarified that the council had engaged with the Shrewsbury House Community Association in the past, but discussions did not result in a firm offer. She also stated that any disposal would be subject to planning regulations and a statutory consultation would be carried out for the equestrian centre due to the presence of metropolitan open space¹.

Several members of the public spoke, expressing concerns about the lack of consultation and the potential loss of valuable community assets.

Ultimately, the sub-committee voted on whether to accept the Cabinet's decision, send it back for reconsideration, or refer it to full council. Councillor Lauren Dingsdale, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, and Councillor John Fahy voted to accept the decision, while Councillor Charlie Davis, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, voted to refer it back to the Cabinet. As a result, the sub-committee agreed to take no further action, allowing the Cabinet's decision to stand.

Financial Context

Councillor Lekau outlined the financial challenges facing the council, stating that government funding had been cut by 53% since 2010 and that the council needed to make £34 million in savings. She said that the recommended disposals would allow the council to put more resources into protecting frontline services.

Councillor Rahman echoed these points, noting that the council has 788 sites, but high operating and maintenance costs mean they are not covering their costs. He said that the council's priority was to ensure they get the best possible results and deliver good value for residents.

Community Engagement Pledge

Councillor Hartley questioned how the decision to dispose of the assets aligned with the council's Community Engagement Pledge. Councillor Lekau responded that it was a matter of interpretation and that the council felt it had had some discussions with relevant groups.

Stakeholder Engagement

Steve Donovan, interim head of property, said that the council had engaged with Sport England and the British Equestrian Federation. He said that he had met with Sport England on 16 October and the British Equestrian Federation on 31 October to discuss the direction of travel and address any concerns.

Shrewsbury House Community Association and 28 Mereworth Drive

Several speakers raised concerns about the lack of consultation with the Shrewsbury House Community Association regarding the disposal of 28 Mereworth Drive, also known as Greengarth.

Sally McDougall, Chair of Trustees of the Shrewsbury House Community Association, said that the association had been trying to engage with the council on proposals to take on the management of the site. She said that the association had a petition with over 1,300 signatures supporting their proposals.

Kate Halpin, a resident and trustee of the Shrewsbury House Community Association, said that the council had not adhered to conservation area guidance in clearing the ground surrounding 28 Mereworth.

Liz McDermott, a volunteer at Shrewsbury House, said that the gardening team at the house had not been consulted on the plans for Greengarth, where there were already plans for a community kitchen garden.

Andy Brockman, a trustee of Shrewsbury House, said that 28 Mereworth Drive had no legal definition in the land registry.

Pippa Hack clarified that discussions with the Shrewsbury House Community Association had not resulted in a firm offer and that any proposal would need to be supported by a robust business case.

Equestrian Centre

Speakers raised concerns about the disposal of the Greenwich Equestrian Centre and the lack of consultation with the community.

Dr Barry Gray said that the equestrian centre was open until July of last year and that any statutory consultation would be on a decision that had already been made.

Ian Blight said that the sporting agreement with Greenwich indicated that they would be due a percentage share of the final disposal receipt.

Jim Eyre, CEO of the British Equestrian Federation, said that the briefing document inferred a long consultation with them, which he said was disingenuous.

Paris Buttery said that the equestrian centre could be used as an access of opportunity for those from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Paul Hoek, a trustee of the Woodlands Farms Trust, said that the trust was based in the London borough of Newham and that the equestrian centre could provide opportunities for children from Newham.

Margaret Jones said that the sale of the equestrian centre missed the opportunity to revive a valuable asset.

Nadine Tal-Baker, representing Save Greenwich Equestrian, said that the council's decision failed to follow proper process and undermined trust.

Andy Stanley, a contract manager, said that the 10th Royal Elton Scouts were in desperate need of space and that the equestrian centre could provide a suitable hall.

Tim Rose said that the council should consider using the land for their own Greenwich build projects.

Tom Bell, chair of the Shooters Hill branch of the Labour Party, said that he was bitterly disappointed by the arguments made by the councillors.

Localism Act 2011

The Localism Act 2011 was mentioned in the context of Assets of Community Value. The act gives community groups a right to bid on land or buildings included on the assets of community value list, before the council can sell it on the open market.