Agenda item

Report of the Director of Finance and Support

1.      Consideration has been given to the objections made to the proposed disposal of Archway Cottages including associated garden land, shown for the purposes of identification edged with a dark line upon the plan attached to the Cabinet report (‘the Property’).

2.      Cabinet’s ‘in principle’ decision made on 7 April 2008 to dispose of the Property by the grant of a 125 years lease, on terms that lead to the restoration of the properties in accordance with listed building requirements is confirmed.

3.      Cabinet has acknowledged the risk that the grant of such a long lease could lead ultimately to individual occupiers of the cottages exercising statutory rights to acquire the freehold of their homes.

Councillor Hawkins addressed cabinet and commended the excellent work in the succinct report. She endorsed the comments of the earlier speakers regarding the site and accepted the importance of interpreting the landscape.  The Council had a duty to act in the best possible custodial way and decisions made now would be significant for future generations.  She urged cabinet not to confirm the decision made in 2008 but to look at alternative options that had not been fully developed. She suggested that as part of the strategic business review on asset management, applications be made to secure heritage funding to accommodate the aspirations of all those with an interest in the park.

Councillor Clarke addressed Cabinet suggesting that councillors were leaving the important decision of the future of the premises to officers and did not have adequate knowledge of the alternative options for their use.  He referred to the original donation of the property by the Wantage Estate as pleasure grounds for public use.  He called for a further report outlining possible future uses.

In response to a question from Councillor PD Varnsverry, Councillor Clarke confirmed that he did not take the opportunity to express his views at the Cabinet meeting in April 2008, when the issue was first discussed.  Councillor Church compared the issue with one of the disposal of Thornton Hall in which Councillor Clarke had been involved.  In response to Councillor Church’s question, Councillor Clarke stated that a decision had been taken at the time with councillors in full knowledge of all the facts and he claimed that this was not the case with Archway Cottages. It was made clear that, until a lease agreement had been signed, there were still opportunities for parties to come forward with viable bids.  Councillor Clarke suggested that appropriate staff from Cliftonville be placed in there, for example.

As Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Perkins presented the report to Cabinet. He explained that there was still the proviso for further consultation.  He had met with Mr Stevens and discussed alternative uses.  He had advised Mr Stevens that if either the Friends of Abington Park or the Abington Park Preservation Society wished to retain Archway Cottages as an Environmental Centre or similar use, then they would have to find the capital funding to take over the cottages and also be responsible for the day to day running costs. He was disappointed that none of the organisations had taken the opportunity to bid for funding. Councillor Perkins would like to see the cottages maintained for domestic use.  As listed properties, they could not be demolished or refurbished unsympathetically.  Attempts to sell the lease to RSLs had been unsuccessful owing to the cost and to retain the freehold would necessitate their use as sheltered housing.  The cost for this was prohibitive and it was not felt that they were suitable for this sort of accommodation. It was important to consider their future use in the best possible way, without allowing further deterioration but using funding from the private sector.

Councillor Church felt that this beautiful group of cottages in a prominent site should be brought back into use and restored to their former glory, bearing in mind the historical importance of the environment.  Although they were partially spoiled when the Wellingborough Road was rebuilt, the prime motivation was to protect what was left, so he supported the recommendations.

It was made clear that all reasonable offers for the future use of the cottages would be considered.

Councillor B Hoare clarified that Cabinet was very aware of the importance of making informed decisions.  The finalisation of a lease would entail another decision, which would be fully informed.

RESOLVED

1.      That consideration be given to the objections made to the proposed disposal of Archway Cottages including associated garden land, shown for the purposes of identification edged red upon the plan attached to the Cabinet report (‘the Property’).

2.      That Cabinet’s ‘in principle’ decision made on 7 April 2008 to dispose of the Property by the grant of a 125 years lease, on terms that lead to the restoration of the properties in accordance with listed building requirements be confirmed.

3.      That Cabinet acknowledge the risk that the grant of such a long lease could lead ultimately to individual occupiers of the cottages exercising statutory rights to acquire the freehold of their homes.