Issue - meetings

An update to Cabinet on the proposed Community Asset Transfer of the above premises and in particular note work to establish agreed social objectives to be delivered by the proposed occupier as part of the transfer terms.

Cabinet is requested to:

a) Note that the transfer was approved under the Community Asset Transfer policy by the previous Administration

b) Note the transfer facilitated the release of 1-3 James Street West for development generating both a capital and revenue income

c) Note the community benefits as currently assessed under the transfer

d) Note the range of uses that are considered inappropriate for the environment

e) Note that the transfer is subject to Genesis obtaining planning permission.

The Chair, under Chair’s discretion and agreement from the Cabinet, invited Councillor Lisa Brett to read a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 4 and on the Council's website] on behalf of Jay Risbridger (Director of The Green Stationery Co).

The statement said that the proposed development had been in a poor state of repair for the past twenty six years.  The regeneration of the property and the proposed social enterprise would be something that the Walcot community would be very proud of in the future, and invited the Cabinet to ensure this project proceeds as planned, without any further delay.

Councillor Charles Gerrish said that this decision had been made under the previous Administration, as a Single Member Decision, in February 2015.  The application of this policy was in line with guidance to Local Authorities on asset transfers.  The idea was to help secure community benefits in line with Council priorities and objectives by transferring property at a peppercorn rental, in exchange for arrangements designed to secure community benefits in line with Council objectives.  The proposed Lease and Building Agreement were currently under negotiation and the transaction is subject to the Genesis Trust obtaining planning permission for the works and proposed use of the premises.

Councillor Charles Gerrish added one more recommendation to the set of recommendations, which is to ‘Request that a further report is brought back to cabinet within the next 4 months to consider and approve that the provisions in 5.7 have been satisfied’.

Councillor Charles Gerrish moved the recommendations.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones seconded the proposals.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones thanked the officers for the detailed report and also thanked Councillor Gerrish for bringing this item before the Cabinet.  The Council would continue to work to fulfil the agreement for the community asset transfer to the Genesis Trust, which would include social objectives expected to be delivered as part of the transfer terms, and what types of services would be provided.

Councillor Vic Pritchard commented that it was unfortunate that the previous Administration had rushed with the decision.  Nevertheless, Councillor Vic Pritchard has shown full support to the agreement for the community asset transfer to the Genesis Trust.

RESOLVED (unanimously) to:

1)  Note that the transfer was approved under the Community Asset Transfer policy by the previous Administration

2)  Note the transfer facilitated the release of 1-3 James Street West for development generating both a capital and revenue income

3)  Note the community benefits as currently assessed under the transfer

4)  Note the range of uses that are considered inappropriate for the environment

5)  Note that the transfer is subject to Genesis obtaining planning permission.

6)  Request that a further report is brought back to cabinet within the next 4 months to consider and approve that the provisions in 5.7 have been satisfied.