Agenda item

1.     That the marketing of the Bar End Depot site for disposal at best consideration be approved.

2.     That the planning guidance note for the site be approved.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management to take all appropriate action to initiate and complete the marketing of the Bar End Depot site with appropriate draft contractual terms, to evaluate the bids received, and to make recommendation for final disposal to a future cabinet for decision.

4.     That a budget of £20,000 for associated marketing, site survey and S123 valuation expenses be approved.

5.     That a budget of £10,000 for development appraisal valuations to better inform potential site value and the target market of developers be approved.

The Leader drew Members’ attention to the feedback from the Depot Insight Group which had been circulated as a supplementary agenda.

Councillor Learney introduced the report and emphasised that the intention was to gather information regarding the general market position.  Councillor Learney responded to a number of comments made during public participation, including emphasising that the preparatory work required would mean that the site would not be marketed for at least six months which would offer opportunities to engage with local residents on the site’s future.  In addition, the planning constraints of the site would be clearly defined in the marketing.  The Council had a legal obligation to sell land at best consideration, but this could have regard to the promotion or improvement of economic, social or environmental wellbeing of an area.  She welcomed the proposal to establish a community development trust and looked forward to a full proposal being submitted by Mr Gottlieb or others.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Hutchison, Laming and Lumby addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Hutchison

Welcomed the comments made by the public above and the reassurances given by Councillor Learney in her response.  Requested that a workshop be set up to consider future options for the site, noting its importance both to local residents and more widely, as situated on an entrance route to the city.

Councillor Laming

Believed that the future of the depot site must be considered alongside the new leisure centre.  Considered it would be preferable for the council to develop the site itself or for a community development trust to be established.

Councillor Lumby

Welcomed the opportunity to be a member of the Depot Insight Group (DIG) but believed that the group had not had access to all the information required and that the feedback from the group circulated with the supplementary agenda had not been a consensus view.  Considered the proposals were for a rushed sale and advice on different values for different uses of the land should be acquired first.  Whilst noting the importance of the site to the local community, considered it was an asset of value to the whole district.  If the decision was made to sell, consideration should be given to what protections could be given to the local community regarding restrictions on future use, design etc.

Councillor Learney responded to comments made, including confirming that she had considered the wider comments from the DIG members.  The Strategic Director: Place also confirmed that there would be opportunities for consultation on the detailed schemes emerging from the marketing process. 

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

RESOLVED:

1.            That the marketing of the Bar End Depot site for disposal at best consideration be approved.

2.            That the planning guidance note for the site be approved.

3.            That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Asset Management to take all appropriate action to initiate and complete the marketing of the Bar End Depot site with appropriate draft contractual terms, to evaluate the bids received, and to make recommendation for final disposal to a future cabinet for decision.

4.            That a budget of £20,000 for associated marketing, site survey and S123 valuation expenses be approved.

5.            That a budget of £10,000 for development appraisal valuations to better inform potential site value and the target market of developers be approved.