Decision - Proposed freehold disposal of Echo Building, St James Road, Torquay, TQ1 4AZ

Proposed freehold disposal of Echo Building, St James Road, Torquay, TQ1 4AZ

Decision Maker: Elected Mayor

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decision:

That, subject to applying the Asset of Community Value Policy, the Assistant Director of Business Services, in consultation with the Chief Executive, be authorised to dispose of the freehold interest of the land area 405.5 sq. m (4,365.3 sq. ft.), gross internal area 294 sq. m (3,164.6 sq. ft.) known as Echo Building, St James Road, Torquay, TQ1 4AZ.

Reasons for the decision:

This property on disposal will provide a capital receipt to help supplement the capital programme. It will reduce the Council’s liability of further maintenance spending. A successful sale will help minimise the Council’s costs, and so relieve pressure on revenue budget savings.

Alternative options considered:

None

Implementation:

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 10 January 2019 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

Information:

The assumed former Church until recently has been let to the charity Action for Children and used as a Children’s Centre. The building is now vacant and the condition of the building is reasonable given the previous use.

It is recommended the property is declared surplus to Council requirements and disposed of by way of auction to the highest bidder on terms to be agreed by the Assistant Director of Business Services, subject to consideration of the Council’s Assets of Community Value Policy as the Elected Mayor agreed to register this building as an Asset of Community Value on 19 December 2018.

The Policy States:

“Should an owner of a community asset wish to enter into a relevant disposal or a binding agreement to enter into a relevant disposal, they must satisfy each of the following conditions:-

a) A period of six weeks has passed since the notification was received by the Council without the Council having received during that period a written request from any community interest group to be treated as a potential bidder in relation to the asset; (“interim moratorium”);

b) Where the Council has received a written request from a community interest group to be treated as a potential bidder during the six week period from notification being received from the owner; a period of six months has passed since the notification was received from the owner; (“full moratorium period”) and;

c) The relevant disposal takes place within a period of 18 months since the notification was received by the Council (the owner is free to sell the asset to whomever they choose and at whatever price within this period) (“protected period”).”

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Publication date: 02/01/2019

Date of decision: 02/01/2019

Effective from: 10/01/2019

This decision has been called in by:

Councillor Nick Pentney who writes 1. The Echo Building has acted as part of the Upton Community as a childrens centre, a part of Upton St James School, a community centre and a church. The Tormohun ward, in which it is located, is one of the most deprived wards in Torbay with high levels of crime, high levels of single parents and significant health needs. The building has acted as an integral part of the community and could still play a significant part in regenerating this community. 2. In the decision notice it states that no alternative options have been considered. The Mayor should explain why this is the case? 3. The Mayor agreed to register the Echo Building as an “Asset of Community Value,” on the 19th December, 2018. Less than two working weeks later he has given notice that he wishes to sell the asset. This has not given the community time to develop a business case to use this facility in their best interest. 4. The promoters of this motion would like to have sight of all the minutes and reports pertaining to the decision to dispose of this asset. This further information will result in additional questions. "
Councillor Mandy Darling who writes for the reasons identified by Councillor Pentney."
Councillor Steve Darling who writes for the reasons identified by Councillor Pentney."
Councillor Ian Doggett who writes for the reasons identified by Councillor Pentney."
Councillor Swithin Long who writes for the reasons identified by Councillor Pentney."