Issue - meetings

Report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

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

DECISION

11.2     The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) approve the granting of a full repairing and insuring lease to Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council on a peppercorn rent for a five year period, in order to operate a Community Library in the former Willingdon 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

11.3     Granting a five year peppercorn lease to Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council (WJPC) to operate a Community Library in the former Willingdon Library building would represent a potential loss of rental income to the County Council of £40,000 over the five year period.  Granting the lease instead of an immediate sale of the site would also defer a capital receipt of around £100,000 - £125,000.  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.

11.4     The WJPC proposal would provide social value to the community in Willingdon 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.