Issue - meetings

A report updating Members on the current position of the Council-owned property at 5-7 King Street, Melton Mowbray, which will shortly become vacant and to determine an agreed route forward for the property.

This item contains an exempt report and a public report.

Cabinet:

1)    APPROVED the sale of the Council-owned property at 5-7 King Street in line with the details as set out in this report, and;

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Prosperity and Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources and the Director of Corporate Services, to dispose of 5-7 King Street in line with the conditions as set out in this report to reduce the liabilities on the Council as soon as is reasonably possible.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report. Councillor Allnatt moved the recommendations and Councillor Cox seconded the motion.

The Director for Housing and Communities outlined the asset of community value (ACV) process. A discussion ensued about the ACV process and ended with the Assistant Director for Governance and Democracy providing some legal advice on the process.

Following a concern raised about whether Historic England had been approached about a possible sale, it was noted that any prospective purchaser would be made aware of the historic significance of the building. It was suggested that the Council could write to Historic England and invite them to view the building.

Regarding the ACV process, it was noted that the building is not a registered ACV asset and therefore when the property is for sale, it would be on the open market. Community groups would be welcome to purchase the building but that they must have the funds to purchase and maintain the property.

Following a discussion, it was agreed that a process would be put in place to support the disposal of the property.

Members were informed that the principle of the report and the proposed disposal is to manage costs. Therefore, the longer the disposal takes, the more it would cost the Council.

The comment was made that the Council should take more notice of heritage.

RESOLVED

Cabinet:

1)    APPROVED the sale of the Council-owned property at 5-7 King Street in line with the details as set out in this report, and;

2)    DELEGATED AUTHORITY to the Director for Prosperity and Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources and the Director of Corporate Services, to dispose of 5-7 King Street, in line with the conditions as set out in this report to reduce the liabilities on the Council as soon as is reasonably possible.

(Key decision)

Reasons for recommendations

The existing tenant of the property has exercised the break clause in their lease effective from 23 October 2024. A temporary agreement has been entered into by the tenant to stay in the property until the end of 2024.

Due to this, officers are recommending that the Council start the process of disposal as a matter of urgency to ensure any liabilities that could be incurred between the existing tenancy ending and disposal of the premises are minimised.

At 5:01pm, prior to the commencement of this item and due to a declared interest, Councillor Butcher left the meeting and did not return.