Decision details

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

DECISIONS

14.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) agree to East Sussex County Council entering into a rent-free Service Level Agreement with Polegate Town Council, renewable annually for up to three years, in order to operate a Community Library in the former Polegate Library building.

(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

14.3     Entering into a rent-free Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Polegate Town Council for up to three years, in order to operate a Community Library in the former Polegate Library Building would represent a potential loss of rental income to the County Council of £45,000 over the three year period.  Entering into an SLA instead of an immediate sale of the site would also defer a capital receipt of around £400,000.  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. Given that the Polegate Library site is a relatively large site which would (subject to planning permission) enable it to accommodate a range of future uses, it is recommended that both parties fully recognise that beyond three years alternate building provision may be required for the Community Library, with the County Council having no obligation to provide/fund same and able to deal with its asset without compromise or call on funds.

14.4     The Polegate Town Council proposal would provide social value to the community in Polegate and is judged by the evaluation panel to be viable.  Entering into a short-term rent-free SLA is in line with the Cabinet decision of 6 March 2018.