Issue - meetings

Report by the Chief Property Officer.

52.1     The Committee considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer, introduced by the Chief Executive, who confirmed the County Council’s commitment to a transparent process that considers all options and that takes into account the relevant Core Strategies and local needs.     

52.2     Key points from the discussion:

·         The Committee encouraged officers to resolve the matter in a timely manner.

·         The final decision on proposals for the site will be taken by the Lead Member for Resources, although input during the consultation period is welcome.  

·         It was clarified that an initial Consultant’s report on viability, feasibility and valuation had been produced, but that it had not been made publically available as it contained commercially sensitive advice.

·         The Committee decided to delete a recommendation that the process of disposal of the site should be subject to no further scrutiny.

52.3     The Committee RESOLVED to  (1) note the current context for the site, activities in hand and indicative timelines proposed with regard to future engagement; and

(2) note that formal proposals will be submitted in due course to the Lead Member.  

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

9.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.  The Chief Operating Officer clarified that the community asset transfer negotiations were at an end, and that a new authority was being sought to explore options for the future use of the site.

DECISIONS

9.2       RESOLVED to (1) note that the negotiations to transfer the former St Anne’s school site have ended and that East Sussex County Council will not be progressing the existing authority for a Community Asset Transfer; 

(2) delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to produce new options for the development and future use of the former St Anne’s school site (site defined in Appendix 1 of the report);  and

(3) request that the Chief Operating Officer report back to Lead Member for Resources with a business case on the options explored for the site.

Reasons

9.3       Following the decision to end community asset transfer negotiations the Council is looking to develop options for the future use and development of the former St Anne’s school site.  It is proposed that the Council will lead this activity and liaise with local partners about local priorities, including demands for housing and community facilities.