Decision details

In late 2023, ESCC sought public views on a possible disposal of County Council-owned site in respect of Land at Sandrock Hall Bends, The Ridge, Hastings.  Hasting Borough Council own land alongside two other private landowners in this location. The Council sought written comments in a notice published in the Hastings Observer in late 2023. The Lead Member for Resources and Climate Change will consider the comments from members of the public following the notice and will consider options on this matter.

26.1     The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer together with exempt information contained in a later agenda item.

26.2     Mr Peter Bailey, a local resident, spoke to highlight concerns regarding the potential future development of the site including flooding risks, biodiversity impacts and increased traffic flow and congestion.

DECISIONS

26.3     The Lead Member RESOLVED to:

1) Note the summary of the responses to the public notice of the Council’s intention to dispose of the site as set out in paragraph 2.3 of the report;

2) Agree to the Council entering into a Promotion Agreement;

3) Approve the disposal of the site in accordance with s123 of the Local Government Act 1972; and

4) Delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to:

(a) agree the terms of any future sale to achieve best value for the site in accordance with s123 of the Local Government Act 1972; and

(b) take all actions necessary to give effect to the recommendations in this report.

REASONS

26.4     The Council has considered the outcome of the responses from members of the public concerning the intention to dispose of the site. These are summarised in the report.

26.5     Entering into the Promotion Agreement provides the best opportunity to bring forward housing development sites locally, in accordance with the Local Plan. In addition to this, there will be an improvement upon the existing open space provision, with an area of at least 0.635ha in size to be designated for use as amenity land and/or open space and/or woodland and/or sustainable urban drainage as part of any development of the site.

26.6     Delegation of authority to the Chief Operating Officer to agree the terms of the Promotion Agreement and then to comply with and give effect to the provisions set out therein including but not limited to agreeing the terms of any future sale of the East Sussex County Council-owned site to achieve best value in accordance with s123 of the Local Government Act 1972 and to take all actions necessary to give effect to the recommendations in the report will facilitate an effective and efficient process.