Issue - meetings

To receive a report on the community bid process for the Fairlands Valley Farmhouse (FVF) following its listing as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) and to make recommendations for the future of FVF following evaluation of the two community bids received.

The Committee considered a report on the community bid process for the Fairlands Valley Farmhouse.

The Committee considered a report on the community bid process for the Fairlands Valley Farmhouse (FVF).

The Portfolio Holder for Resources outlined the two community bids received, and commented that, having weighed up the pros and cons, it had been concluded that neither bid provided a robust financial strategy, and both were uncertain regarding the outcome of securing the necessary funding.

The Assistant Director (Finance and Estates) explained that, due to the financial and insurance risks associated with the deteriorating condition of FVF, it had been concluded that it would be beneficial for the Council to dispose of the asset by freehold sale.

The Executive supported an additional recommendation from the Leader that the community groups who had submitted bids to take on the refurbishment and future maintenance of FVF be thanked for their interest in the process, and that they be offered support by the Council to assist them with their aspirations to find alternative accommodation for their community activities.

It was RESOLVED -

1.  That neither of the community bids are accepted for securing the future of Fairlands Valley Farmhouse on the basis of the reasons stated in section 4 of the report.

2.  That the Strategic Director (Tom Pike) be authorised to progress the negotiations for the freehold sale of Fairlands Valley Farmhouse to a third party commercial interest which had commenced prior to the Asset of Community Value process.

3.  That the Strategic Director (Tom Pike) be authorised to finalise the terms of the sale of the freehold of FVF  to that third party commercial interest following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Resources; Communities, Community Safety & Equalities and for Neighbourhoods & Co-operative Working

4. That should the negotiations referred to in 2. above fail to result in a sale, the Strategic Director (Tom Pike) be authorised to re-market Fairlands Valley Farmhouse.

5. That that the community groups who had submitted bids to take on the refurbishment and future maintenance of FVF be thanked for their interest in the process, and that they be offered support by the Council to assist then in their aspirations to find alternative accommodation for their community activities.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report and 5. To support the individual community groups.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.