Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that the disposal of the former garage site at Rowan Drive, Shirebrook, be approved.

Executive considered a detailed report, presented by Councillor Phil Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing, which sought Members’ approval for the disposal of Council owned land at Rowan Drive, Shirebrook.

The area of land in question was located between Rowan Drive and Recreation Road and was edged red on a plan appended to the report.  The site had been considered for alternative uses including biodiversity offset, however, this had been deemed unsuitable and redevelopment had been discounted as not being financially viable.

Former garages had been demolished due to their condition, and minimal income was generated from the parking bays which were currently let.  There were a number of vehicular and pedestrian accesses off the former garage site into the rear gardens of the properties on Recreation Road and an exercise had been undertaken to identify which of these accesses were by way terminable licences and which were permanent – this would need to be disclosed to any future purchaser.  It was assumed that these accesses would not affect the viability of the development of the land.  In addition, there were a number of privately owned garages on garage plots, land which was let to the owners by the Council, and these were terminable upon notice.  Also identified on the plan were 3 garage structures on the site which were not in the Council’s possession

and would be excluded from any sale.

The land had been valued at £225,000 and in accordance with the Council’s Disposal and Acquisition Policy the matter was referred to the Council’s Asset Management Group who had recommended that the land be disposed of.

Moved by Councillor Phil Smith and seconded by Councillor John Ritchie

RESOLVED that the disposal of the former garage site at Rowan Drive, Shirebrook, be approved.

Reasons for Recommendation

The former garages had been demolished due to their condition and there was minimal income generated from the parking bays which were currently let.  The land required ongoing maintenance by the Council. Disposal would generate a capital receipt for the Council.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

Alternative uses for the site had been considered and discounted.