Issue - meetings

That the sale of 27 Eastgate Street by private treaty or auction and retaining the freehold interest in the adjoining open ground that is currently used for car parking be approved.

Councillor Tod introduced the report emphasising that the disposal of the property would offer the best return for the council and that the council had disposed of a number of other properties in Eastgate Street in recent years.

Ian Tait spoke during public participation as summarised briefly below.

He queried why it was proposed to sell this property when at the previous Cabinet meeting it had been decided to refurbish another council owned property rather than sell it (report CAB3433 refers).  He also queried the reason for the proposal to retain the car park area but not the house itself.  He asked about any future proposals for 88 Sussex Street which was another council owned property the ground floor of which was currently unoccupied.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillor Horrill addressed the meeting as summarised briefly below.

She understood the reasoning behind the proposal to sell the property but asked a number of points of clarification: a) the proposed use of the sale proceeds; b) when would the council’s review of temporary accommodation be published and whether this disposal should be postponed until this was available? c) if sold, could the council still meet its obligations to provide temporary accommodation? d) why was this property not suitable for refurbishment?

Councillor Tod responded to the comments raised including explaining the rationale for the retention of the car park and the reasons for the different decision to that proposed for the Colebrook Street property.  An update on the temporary accommodation review was expected at the Business and Housing Policy Committee in February 2024.  Councillor Tod also stated he would make further enquiries regarding 88 Sussex Street and respond to Mr Tait’s question outside of the meeting.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out in the report and outlined above.

RESOLVED:

That the sale of 27 Eastgate Street by private treaty or auction and retaining the freehold interest in the adjoining open ground that is currently used for car parking be approved.