Decision details

12.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISION

12.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) approve the granting of a full repairing and insuring lease to Ore Community Association on a peppercorn rent for a three year period, in order to operate a Community Library in the former Ore Library building; and

(2) delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer in consultation with the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport to agree the terms for the lease.

Reasons

12.3     Granting a three year peppercorn lease to Ore Community Association (OCA) to operate a Community Library in the former Ore Library building would represent a potential loss of rental income to the County Council of £6,000-£9,000 over the three year period.  Granting the lease instead of an immediate sale of the site would also defer a capital receipt of around £130,000.  However, the option would remain for the County Council at the end of the lease period to sell the freehold or to consider an alternative use of the site, including a community asset transfer.

12.4     The OCA proposal would provide social value to the community in Ore and is judged by the evaluation panel to be viable.  Granting a short-term peppercorn lease is in line with the Cabinet decision of 6 March 2018.