Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To note any urgent items of business which the Chairman has consented to being considered under the provisions of Section 100(B) 4(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There was no urgent business to be considered at the meeting.

Members should declare the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and Non Statutory Interest as defined by the Members’ Code of Conduct in respect of:

a)  any business on the agenda

b)  any urgent additional items to be considered

c)  any matters arising out of those items

and if appropriate, withdraw from the meeting at the relevant time.

Members were requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no declarations made at the meeting.

In the interests of transparency, Councillors Steve Fritchley and Sandra Peake stated that they were Members of Shirebrook Town Council however they did not have an interest in Agenda Item 7 – Framework of ‘in principle’ permissions to facilitate and enable regeneration of Shirebrook’s Town Centre – as Shirebrook Town Council was not directly affected.

To consider the minutes of the last meeting held on 27^th July 2020.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED that the minutes of a meeting of Executive held on 27^th July 2020 be approved as a true and correct record.

Recommendations on page 22

RESOLVED – that Executive notes

1)   the monitoring position of the General Fund at the end of the first quarter as detailed on Appendix 1 to the report and the key issues highlighted within the report.

2)   the position on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the Capital Programme and Treasury Management at the end of the first quarter as detailed in Appendices 3, 4 and 5 to the report.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder - Finance and Community Safety which provided an update on the financial position of the Council following the first quarter’s budget monitoring exercise for the General Fund, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), Capital Programme and Treasury Management activity.

General Fund

This is the first budget monitoring report to be presented in the new three Directorate format. 

The original budget for 2020/21 showed a funding deficit of £0.290m.  The current budget shows this had been reduced to £0.171m deficit after the Council tax increase and other small movements were included.

A breakdown of the Quarter 1 monitoring position by Directorate was included in the report. The overall position on the General Fund at the end of Quarter 1 showed that there was a favourable variance of £0.223m. However, this included the S106 under spent expenditure; the position without these was £0.069m under achieved.  As has been reported in the Leader’s updates, in April, May and June the Council lost leisure income totalling £0.412m which would not be recovered in 2020/21.  Planning income was also under achieved at this time. Performance in Quarter 2 would reveal how much other income had been lost on sundry debtor invoices and other miscellaneous income.

Executive were advised that the Fair Funding Review and reform of the business rates system had been delayed for a year. It was also anticipated, although not confirmed, that the Spending Review 2020 and reform to New Homes Bonus would also be postponed.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

At the end of Quarter 1, the HRA income figures showed an adverse variance of £0.552m. Expenditure showed an overall favourable variance of £0.534m. Overall the HRA showed a net deficit of £0.027m. In light of the expenditure patterns to date, there were no significant issues to report regarding the overall position for the HRA at the end of the first quarter.  In the second quarter a clearer indication could be given as to how much rent arrears have been affected by the financial impact of Coronavirus on Council tenants.

Capital Programme

In headline terms, the Capital Programme profiled budget for Quarter 1 was £3.179m and the actual spend and known commitments totalled £2.483m, which was £0.696m behind the planned spend position.

There were no significant financial issues to report regarding capital expenditure, however it was noted that the delivery of the approved Capital Programme was slightly behind the profiled position as at Quarter 1, in part due to Coronavirus related delays.

This was anticipated and caused concern regarding the spending of the 1-4-1 capital receipts that had a deadline to be spent by 30/9/20 or they had to be returned. This issue was highlighted to MHCLG in March and the Council had received notification of an extension to the deadline to 31/12/20.

Treasury Management

The Treasury Management activity undertaken in the first quarter of 2020/21 was in line with the plans agreed as part of the Treasury Management Strategy 2019-2023.  ...  view the full minutes text for item EX32-20/21

Recommendations on page 45

RESOLVED – That Executive notes the report concerning the Council’s Corporate Debt as at 31st March 2020.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder - Finance and Community Safety which presented a summary of the corporate debt position at 31 March 2020.

The corporate debt position was broken down into Business Rates, Council Tax, Housing Rents, Overpaid Housing Benefits and Sundry Debtors.

It was considered unlikely that the increases in arrears levels were related to the coronavirus pandemic, and more that they were a consequence of the higher income figures. Both business rates and council tax remained in line with the 2018/19 levels.

It was anticipated that the 2020/21 financial year would be affected by the pandemic in terms of levels of arrears. Officers were therefore proposing to maintain higher than usual bad debt provisions.

Moved by Councillor Clive Moesby and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED – That Executive notes the report concerning the Council’s Corporate Debt as at 31st March 2020.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To ensure that Executive were informed of the latest position concerning the Council’s debt.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

This report was for information only.

Pages 57 – 166 are not included in the paper version and are online only.

Recommendations on pages 53 and 54

RESOLVED – that

1)   £20,000 be allocated from the transformation reserve to commission the necessary technical reports to support the grants of ‘permission in principle’ for the identified sites.

2)   delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Development and Planning to utilise any underspend on bringing forward Council-sponsored projects within Shirebrook’s town centre. 

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Economic Development which provided an update on regeneration proposals for Shirebrook’s town centre secure funding for pre-planning technical work.

The purpose of this report was to secure funding to support the Council’s Economic Development Team and Planning Service put into place a framework of ‘in principle’ permissions to redevelop various sites that are currently in public ownership to accelerate delivery of regenerations schemes in and around the town centre.

The preliminary list of sites being considered included:

·         the market square;

·         library;

·         health centre;

·         two public car parks;

·         land adjacent to Lidl; and

·         Carter Lane Community Education Centre

Councillor Mary Dooley queried how much underspend was anticipated from the budget requested and what would it be spent on. The Assistant Director of Development and Planning advised that the amount was not known but it was expected to be directed to the market place renewal.

Members also noted that the proposals built on the One Public Estate outline business case for a Shirebrook Public Services Hub.

Moved by Councillor Liz Smyth and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED – that

1)   £20,000 be allocated from the transformation reserve to commission the necessary technical reports to support the grants of ‘permission in principle’ for the identified sites.

2)   delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Development and Planning to utilise any underspend on bringing forward Council-sponsored projects within Shirebrook’s town centre. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

The funding was to create a framework of ‘in principle’ permissions that was to help to facilitate and enable regeneration of Shirebrook’s Town Centre.

The framework was to be flexible enough to accelerate delivery of individual projects if the opportunity was to arise but robust enough to support future bids for external funding.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

A ‘do nothing’ option was rejected because there was an identified need to promote and encourage the regeneration of Shirebrook’s town centre and consensus that there was a need to move from ‘master planning’ to delivery.

A ‘do more’ option was rejected because of the cost and delay incurred attempting to agree detailed designs and delivery options with a range of different stakeholders.

Recommendations on pages 171 and 172

RESOLVED –

1)   That an extension to the Local Development Order is put in place to support the Shop Front Repairs Grants Scheme across the wider area

2)   The reason for the extension to the Local Development Order is tosupport the significant investment being made in improving the environmental quality of the Market Square in Shirebrook by

(i)            streamlining the planning process for the works that the Shop Front Repairs Grants Scheme is targeting,

(ii)          speeding up the delivery of grant money and subsequent improvements to the Town centre, and

(iii)         ensuring a consistent high quality of design is achieved that provides a long-lasting legacy that will benefit the local community, improve the character and appearance of the local area and improve the local economy.

3)   The Extended Local Development Order grants planning permission for alterations and improvements to shop frontages, including replacement windows and doors, new or replacement canopies, new or replacement cladding, new or replacement fascia, new or replacement shutters and similar items, for all premises located within the areas edged green, blue and red on the plan attached as Appendix A.1 operating either in an A1 Use (retail), A2 Use (professional offices), A3 Use (cafes), A4 Use (drinking establishments) or A5 Use (hot food takeaway) and/or Class E and Class F (business premises and community facilities)  at street level, subject to the following conditions:

o   Prior approval for the proposed alterations must be obtained from the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of any development;

o   The design of the proposed alterations and the final external appearance of the shop frontage must be in accordance with the design principles set out in the Shop Front Design Guide.

o   Any alterations approved under this Order must be completed within two years of approval

            Development not permitted:

o   There must be no alterations to the shape to the main roof over the existing premises.

4)        That the Order shall take effect following approval by the Executive. 

5)     That delegated authority be granted to the Planning Manager (Development Control) to grant and/or grant delegated powers to other officers in the Planning Service to grant prior approval for subsequent applications made under this LDO.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Corporate Governance which sought approval for an extension to the Local Development Order to grant planning permission for alterations and improvements to shop frontages in Shirebrook covered by the Phase 2 Shop Front Repairs Grants Scheme.

The report set out the background to the Shop Front Repairs Grants Scheme from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Controlling Migration Fund.

The scheme was supported by a Local Development Order that grants automatic planning permission for alteration to shop fronts in the Market Square providing that they were in accordance with the Shop Front Design Guide.

In March 2020, a further £375,000 funding had been secured through the Business Rates Pooling Pilot to fund a second phase of the scheme. This second phase would apply to Market Square, Kind Edward Street, Patchwork Row and Main Street. An extension to the Local Development Order was proposed to support this.

Members commented that the shop front alterations already completed in the first phase had greatly improved their appearances.

It was discussed that the local schools had been given an opportunity to contribute to the designs for the new shop fronts. The Shop Front Design Guide had received input from many local stakeholders.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Liz Smyth

RESOLVED –

1)   That an extension to the Local Development Order is put in place to support the Shop Front Repairs Grants Scheme across the wider area

2)   The reason for the extension to the Local Development Order is to support the significant investment being made in improving the environmental quality of the Market Square in Shirebrook by

(i)            streamlining the planning process for the works that the Shop Front Repairs Grants Scheme is targeting,

(ii)          speeding up the delivery of grant money and subsequent improvements to the Town centre, and

(iii)         ensuring a consistent high quality of design is achieved that provides a long-lasting legacy that will benefit the local community, improve the character and appearance of the local area and improve the local economy.

3)   The Extended Local Development Order grants planning permission for alterations and improvements to shop frontages, including replacement windows and doors, new or replacement canopies, new or replacement cladding, new or replacement fascia, new or replacement shutters and similar items, for all premises located within the areas edged green, blue and red on the plan attached as Appendix A.1 operating either in an A1 Use (retail), A2 Use (professional offices), A3 Use (cafes), A4 Use (drinking establishments) or A5 Use (hot food takeaway) and/or Class E and Class F (business premises and community facilities)  at street level, subject to the following conditions:

o   Prior approval for the proposed alterations must be obtained from the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of any development;

o   The design of the proposed alterations and the final external appearance of the shop frontage must be in accordance with the design principles set out in the Shop Front  ...  view the full minutes text for item EX35-20/21

Recommendations on page 176 and 177

RESOLVED – that

1)   the contract be awarded to Gatherwell as the External Lottery Manager for the provision of a Community Lottery Scheme for Bolsover District Council.

2)   the contract will be awarded initially for two years with the possibility of three additional periods each of two years.

3)    the Head of Leader’s Executive and Partnerships be given delegated authority in consultation with the Portfolio Holder - Partnerships and Leisure to extend the contract for the maximum of three additional periods each of two years. Extensions to be conditional upon the satisfactory performance of the contractor.

     4)   the Section 151 Officer be nominated the responsible officer for the Gambling Commission’s lottery licence.

5)   £5,871 be allocated from the Transformation Reserve to set up the scheme and that any ongoing costs are met from income received from the Community Lottery Scheme.

Executive considered a report of the Portfolio Holder – Partnerships and Leisure which sought approval to establish a Community Lottery Scheme for Bolsover District that was to provide an additional income stream to the district’s community and voluntary sector, whilst also providing an opportunity for the Council to raise money to fund additional community focused initiatives.

The proposal was described as a great opportunity for income to be generated to support initiatives in the local community.

Details of the scheme and the proposed provider were set out in the report.

Members discussed concerns regarding gambling and its impact on families and communities. It was noted that there is a limit on the number of tickets per person and that an annual contribution from the income of the scheme would be made to one or more organisations which research into the prevention and treatment of gambling related harm, develop harm prevention approaches and identify and fund treatment to those harmed by gambling.  

It was also noted that other local authorities run community lottery schemes and the Council would benefit from their experience.

Councillor Clive Moesby asked for a report to be brought back in one years’ time to review the performance of the lottery. The Leader advised Members that the scheme would be closely monitored and reviewed.

RESOLVED – that

1)   the contract be awarded to Gatherwell as the External Lottery Manager for the provision of a Community Lottery Scheme for Bolsover District Council.

2)   the contract will be awarded initially for two years with the possibility of three additional periods each of two years.

3)    the Head of Leader’s Executive and Partnerships be given delegated authority in consultation with the Portfolio Holder - Partnerships and Leisure to extend the contract for the maximum of three additional periods each of two years. Extensions to be conditional upon the satisfactory performance of the contractor.

     4)   the Section 151 Officer be nominated the responsible officer for the Gambling Commission’s lottery licence.

5)   £5,871 be allocated from the Transformation Reserve to set up the scheme and that any ongoing costs are met from income received from the Community Lottery Scheme.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The contract was awarded to Gatherwell Ltd following a compliant procurement exercise.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The option not run a Community Lottery Scheme and to continue to fund community initiatives from the Council’s general fund budgets was rejected as budgets were reducing and alternative avenues to raise income were needed.

Recommendations on page 190

RESOLVED – that Executive endorses the Delegated Decision DD-062-20-DC as there was an urgent need for the commercial decision.

Executive considered a report of the Portfolio Holder – Corporate Governance which sought Executive’s endorsement of the Delegated Decision (DD-062-20-DC) taken by the Director of Corporate Resources and Head of Paid Service as an urgent commercial decision to establish a new post for a planning apprenticeship within the Planning Enforcement Team.

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Sandra Peake

RESOLVED – that Executive endorses the Delegated Decision DD-062-20-DC as there was an urgent need for the commercial decision.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The proposals allowed the Planning Service to offer a better service to local residents and to do more to protect the quality of the District’s built environment alongside providing a meaningful development opportunity for a member of staff and address capacity issues and succession planning within the Planning Enforcement Team and the Planning Service as a whole.

As the creation of the post required additional funding beyond approved budgets, the decision was taken using the delegated power for urgent commercial decisions due to the need for the funding and post to be confirmed prior to the start of September. The Delegation Scheme required that such decisions be reported to Executive for endorsement.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The alternative option, to do nothing, was rejected as it meant that there would have been a twelve months delay pending next year’s intake of new apprentices in September 2021.

Recommendations on page 196

RESOLVED – that Executive agrees to promote the services of the Council to Town and Parish Council’s as outlined in the Trusted Services marketing pack attached to the report.

Executive considered a report of the Portfolio Holder – Partnerships and Leisure which sought approval to market and promote a range of Council services to Parish and Town Council’s within the district.

Councillor Mary Dooley noted that the services being offered did not include ground maintenance and street services. Executive were advised that some further work needed to be conducted on the charges for these services and it was hoped they would be added in due course.

Members commented that there were many more services that the Council could look to offer in the future and it was considered that this offer would be very beneficial to Parish and Town Councils, as well as generating income for the District Council.

Moved by Councillor Mary Dooley and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED – that Executive agrees to promote the services of the Council to Town and Parish Council’s as outlined in the Trusted Services marketing pack attached to the report.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The ‘Selling Services’ project had been a long-standing transformation project with wide support from across the Council. The marketing pack formalised the Council’s offer to Town and Parish Councils and promoted the services on offer. It was anticipated that by through this approach the Council would generate additional income whilst supporting Town and Parish Councils with trusted and professional support.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The alternative option to continue with the ad-hoc approach and deal with enquiries/opportunities as and when they arrive was rejected in favour of a more strategic offer of services.

Recommendations on page 207

RESOLVED – that the

1)   contract for the Installation of Positive Input Ventilation Systems for Bolsover District Council be awarded to EnviroVent ltd.

2)   contract be awarded initially for two years with the possibility of two additional periods each of one year.

3)   Head of Property Services & Housing Repairs be given delegated authority in consultation with the Housing Stock Group and the relevant Portfolio Holder to extend the contract for the maximum of two additional periods each of one year. Extensions to be conditional upon the satisfactory performance of the contractor. 

Executive considered a report of the Portfolio Holder – Housing that sought approval to appoint EnvironVent Ltd to install Positive Input Ventilation systems for Bolsover District Council Housing department as and when required.

Positive Input Ventilation Systems were a proven concept to deliver fresh filtered air into a property at a continuous rate. The Council had been fitting them in tenanted properties for the last 5 years with excellent results where major issues had been experienced with mould and condensation. The unit draws filtered and clean air from outside and gently ventilate the property from a central position on the landing or central hallway. Moisture laden air is diluted, displaced and replaced to control humidity levels within the property. By doing this it eliminates surface condensation and lowers levels of humidity within the property which are the breeding grounds for mould. This was backed up with a 7 year warranty and free damp survey service.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED – that the

1)   contract for the Installation of Positive Input Ventilation Systems for Bolsover District Council be awarded to EnviroVent ltd.

2)   contract be awarded initially for two years with the possibility of two additional periods each of one year.

3)   Head of Property Services & Housing Repairs be given delegated authority in consultation with the Housing Stock Group and the relevant Portfolio Holder to extend the contract for the maximum of two additional periods each of one year. Extensions to be conditional upon the satisfactory performance of the contractor. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

The contract was awarded to EnviroVent Ltd following a compliant procurement exercise.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

There were no alternative options considered.

To move:-

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the stated Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and it is not in the public interest for that to be revealed.” [The category of exempt information is stated after each item].

Moved by Councillor Duncan McGregor and seconded by Councillor Steve Fritchley

RESOLVED - that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the stated Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act and it is not in the public interest for that to be revealed. [The category of exempt information is stated after each Minute].

Recommendations on page 212

(Paragraph 3)

RESOLVED – that

1)   £150,000 be allocated from the earmarked reserve to establish an Economic Loan Fund.

2)   Executive grant delegated authority to the S.151 Officer, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Development and Planning and the Head of Leader’s Executive and Partnerships, to finalise and implement the eligibility criteria, the application process and to issue eligible businesses with fixed term loans for between £2,000 and £10,000 from this fund. 

Executive considered a report of the Portfolio Holder – Economic Development and the Portfolio Holder – Partnerships and Leisure which sought authorisation for the use of earmarked reserves to establish an Economic Loan Fund. It was also proposed to delegate authority to officers to finalise and implement the eligibility criteria, the application process and to issue eligible businesses with fixed term loans for between £2,000 and £10,000 from this fund.

The Economic Loan Fund was intended to supplement the Council’s investment in the Business Growth Fund by allowing the Council to offer small and medium-sized businesses loans of between £2,000 and £10,000 for a variety of projects.

It was noted that this fund was intended to cover businesses who would not be eligible for other government schemes. Robust financial checks and eligibility criteria would be put in place to mitigate against the risk of the loans not being repaid.

Moved by Councillor Liz Smyth and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED – that

1)   £150,000 be allocated from the earmarked reserve to establish an Economic Loan Fund.

2)   Executive grant delegated authority to the S.151 Officer, in consultation with the Assistant Director of Development and Planning and the Head of Leader’s Executive and Partnerships, to finalise and implement the eligibility criteria, the application process and to issue eligible businesses with fixed term loans for between £2,000 and £10,000 from this fund. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

It was considered that the Economic Loan Fund would be an additional but valuable source of financial support for many local businesses that will help grow the local economy and benefit the District.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

A ‘do nothing’ option was rejected taking into account the Council’s ambitions to support local businesses ad grow the local economy. A ‘do more option’ was rejected because of the increased financial risk to the Council and the affordability of a larger scheme.

Pages 222 – 416 are not included in the paper version and are online only.

Recommendations on page 218

(Paragraph 3)

RESOLVED - that

1)   the Council’s Planning Service be requested to investigate the expediency of formal planning enforcement action and the appropriateness of issuing a s.215 notice in this case.

2)   further approval is sought for funding for works in prior to the issue ofa s.215 notice in the event that formal planning enforcement action is deemed to be reasonable and necessary. 

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Economic Development which set out possible options for the Council’s approach to the future preservation of the former Creswell Station building following the completion of a feasibility study into the viability of commercial uses of the building and potential redevelopment of adjacent land in the same ownership, which accommodated a workshop used for car repairs..

Moved by Councillor Liz Smyth and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED - that

1)   the Council’s Planning Service be requested to investigate the expediency of formal planning enforcement action and the appropriateness of issuing a s.215 notice in this case.

2)   further approval is sought for funding for works in prior to the issue of a s.215 notice in the event that formal planning enforcement action is deemed to be reasonable and necessary. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

The purchase and redevelopment of the site by the Council did not appear to be a viable option. It was therefore considered appropriate to remit this case back to the Council’s Planning Service for further consideration of the appropriateness and expediency of issuing a s.215 notice that could secure the long-term preservation of the former Creswell Station building in the absence of any other feasible options.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The purchase and redevelopment of the site by the Council were rejected as they did not appear to be a viable options.

Recommendations on page 419

(Paragraph 3)

RESOLVED – that

1)   approval be granted for demolition of the Council-owned flats and ancillary buildings on land at High Street, Tibshelf.

2)   the site be laid to grass following demolition pending future redevelopment of the site.

3)   delegated authority be given to the Head of Property Services and Housing Repairs to procure a contract for demolition of the flats to a maximum value of as detailed in the report. 

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Housing which sought approval for the demolition of the Council-owned flats on High Street, Tibshelf.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED – that

1)   approval be granted for demolition of the Council-owned flats and ancillary buildings on land at High Street, Tibshelf.

2)   the site be laid to grass following demolition pending future redevelopment of the site.

3)   delegated authority be given to the Head of Property Services and Housing Repairs to procure a contract for demolition of the flats to a maximum value of as detailed in the report. 

REASON FOR DECISION:

There were no compelling reasons to retain the existing buildings but there was significant potential for re-development of the site that would enhance the amenities of the local area and better serve the local community. However, leaving the buildings empty once they have been vacated was considered likely to detract from the character and appearance of the High Street and attract additional anti-social behaviour.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The option to continue letting the flats was rejected primarily because of low demand and associated anti-social behaviour. The option to retain the buildings was rejected primarily because of their limited design value but also in view of the limited opportunities to put the building into a different use and the ongoing risk of continued anti-social behaviour in and around the flats.

Recommendations on page 423

(Paragraph 3)

RESOLVED – that

1)   Executive approve the purchase of the 9 properties from Avant off Skinner Street – Creswell for the agreed price in paragraph 1.4 of the report subject to SDLT and 10% contingency to include fees.

2)    the Director of Development be given delegated powers to enter into contract with Avant for the purchase of the properties.  This includes the timescale for delivery and to agree the final purchase price and costs.

Executive considered a report of the Portfolio Holder – Housing regarding the opportunity to purchase 9 properties for rent within the Housing Revenue Account from Avant at Skinner Street, Creswell.  

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Mary Dooley

RESOLVED – that

1)   Executive approve the purchase of the 9 properties from Avant off Skinner Street – Creswell for the agreed price in paragraph 1.4 of the report subject to SDLT and 10% contingency to include fees.

2)    the Director of Development be given delegated powers to enter into contract with Avant for the purchase of the properties.  This includes the timescale for delivery and to agree the final purchase price and costs.

REASON FOR DECISION:

This proposal offered value for money, met local housing need and increased the Council’s housing stock.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The option not to purchase the properties was rejected as the properties would fulfil a housing need in the area. This housing mix best supported that identified housing need.

Recommendations on page 436

(Paragraph 3)

RESOLVED – that Executive

1)   approve the sale of land owned by the Council to the rear of Hardwick Street in Shirebrook for market value as set out at paragraph 1.5 of the report.

2)   delegate authority to the Director of Development to agree the final sales price and the remaining terms and conditions of the sale and sale agreement.

Executive considered the report of the Portfolio Holder – Economic Development which sought approval for the sale of Council-owned land in Shirebrook.

Moved by Councillor Liz Smyth and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED – that Executive

1)   approve the sale of land owned by the Council to the rear of Hardwick Street in Shirebrook for market value as set out at paragraph 1.5 of the report.

2)   delegate authority to the Director of Development to agree the final sales price and the remaining terms and conditions of the sale and sale agreement.

REASON FOR DECISION:

The offer to purchase the Council’s land was for market value and the land had limited utility for the Council having recently entered into the purchase of a similar sized piece of employment land at another site with unfettered access.

OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED:

The alternative option of retaining the land in the Council’s ownership was rejected.