Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources, Leisure and Culture seeking approval in principle for the disposal of land at Yeovil Chase.  The report will seek to delegate authority to the Head of Property and Procurement in consultation with the Director of Corporate Services and the Cabinet Members for Children’s Services and Learning and Resources, Leisure and Culture to agree terms for the disposal.

(i)  To approve the principle of the sale of the Council’s freehold interest in the land shown in Appendix 1, Plan V3186.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Head of Property and Procurement after consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and the Cabinet Member for Resources, Leisure and Culture to approve the preferred bidder, agree terms of the sale and carry out all ancillary matters to enable disposal of the site.

(iii)  To delegate authority to the Head of Children’s Services and Learning Infrastructure and Strategy, after consultation with Head of Property and Procurement and Director of Corporate Services, to approve the expenditure of any surplus capital receipt as directed by the Department of Education conditions regarding the disposal of the playing field.

1.  To facilitate the redevelopment of a surplus site identified for residential development, thereby delivering new homes towards the City’s housing target.

2.  To realise a capital receipt.

1.  Do nothing. - Whilst the property was previously utilised as a hard surface playground and part of the playing field at Harefield Primary School, the Council declared the land surplus on 17^th March 2008.  Harefield Primary School ceased using the play area in early 2011 to enable the remodelling of the school grounds and car park as part of the second phase of the school’s improvements and reorganisation.  The City Council has secured consent from the Secretary of State for Education to dispose of the playground and part of the playing field under S77 (Schools Standards & Framework Act 1998) and Section 35A dated 23 May 2006 & 13^th December 2007.  The Council are now in a position to progress a disposal of the land.

2.  Retain the property – The property is surplus to the Council requirements and disposal will enable the Council to generate a capital receipt.

3.  Delay the disposal – The outline planning consent is valid only for a period of three years.  Marketing the site at the commencement of the validity period of the consent will maximise the Council’s opportunity to secure a purchaser.