Decision details

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

DECISIONS

13.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) approve, subject to landlord approval, the granting of a full repairing and insuring sub-lease to Volunteers Network CIC on a fixed annual rent of £26 for a five year period, in order to operate a Community Library in the former Pevensey Bay 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 sub-lease.

Reasons

13.3     Granting a five year sub-lease to Volunteers Network CIC to operate a Community Library in the former Pevensey Bay Library building would represent a potential loss of rental income to the County Council of £50,000 - £60,000 over the five year period.  However, the option would remain for the County Council at the end of the lease period to consider alternative options with regard to its leasehold interest in the property.  A sub-letting arrangement (as opposed to assigning the lease to Volunteers Network CIC) would mean that East Sussex County Council would retain the Head Lease and the occupant would not be able to realise any capital or commercial value in the property. 

13.4     The Volunteers Network CIC’s proposal would provide social value to the community in Pevensey Bay and is judged by the evaluation panel to be viable.  Granting a short-term sub-lease at the current rent is in line with the Cabinet decision of 6 March 2018.