Agenda item

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Leyshon)

Report of Chief Officer (Resources)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Leyshon)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer (Resources) which sought approval to enter into a conditional sale contract in connection with a development plot of land owned by the City Council in the area known as the Heysham Gateway.  The report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the exempt report.

Councillor Leyshon proposed, seconded by Councillor Clifford:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the exempt report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)             That the City Council enters into a conditional sale contract for the land in question on the heads of terms as set out in Appendix A to Annex 3 of the exempt report.

(2)             That Cabinet authorises the Chief Officer (Resources) to approve any subsequent revisions needed to the sale terms in respect of conditional matters below the key decision threshold, following consultation with the Property Portfolio Holder; anything over the key decision threshold to be reported back to Cabinet for approval with the final terms being reported retrospectively to Cabinet.  

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer (Resources)

Reasons for making the decision:

Sustainable economic growth is one of the Council’s four priorities and Heysham Gateway is identified as a regeneration priority in the Core Strategy and emerging Local Plan. The disposal of the site would be the first significant step for both the City and County Council in transforming the area known as Heysham Gateway into a high quality sustainable employment area which can fully realise the Port of Heysham’s role as one of the UK’s main ports for trade with the Irish Republic, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man and capitalise on key growth sectors.  It would also secure a capital receipt and the consequential revenue savings in capital financing costs.