Decision details

Walls Hill Quarry Hut Site, Babbacombe Road, Torquay - Lease Renewal

Decision Maker: Director of Finance

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

The granting of a new twenty-two-year lease for the premises at Walls Hill Quarry Hut Site, Babbacombe Road, Torquay to the Scout Association Trust Corporation at market rent.

Reasons for the decision:

The new lease with an extended term to allow for grant funding.

Alternative options considered:

The Tenant is entitled to a new lease for fifteen years. The Council may choose not to grant the longer lease terms. However, this would result in the Tenant not investing in their building.

Implementation:

This decision will be implemented immediately.

Information:

The Tenant, the Scout Association Trust Corporation have requested a lease renewal for the property. The tenant has been in occupation under a lease since at least 1984.  The current lease has expired with the tenant holding over on a periodic tenancy.  Discussion on the lease renewal has been on-going, and they have now requested a new lease for a term of twenty-two years.

 

Granting a lease renewal for twenty-two years will enable the tenant to access grant funding to undertake a range of improvements to reduce the environmental impact of the building. This is to include the installation of new eco efficient heating system and installation of solar panels.  This will improve the environmental impact and efficiency of the Scout Hut.

 

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 the tenant is entitled to a new lease, which is normally limited to fifteen years.  The grant funding secured requires at least 20 years term certain. The granting of the additional seven years is at the Council’s discretion.

Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:

None

Publication date: 21/11/2025

Date of decision: 12/11/2025