Issue - meetings

See agenda for Cabinet Committee Assets Disposals, 17^th October 2024 for the published reports. Recommendations to Cabinet to be published in a supplementary agenda after the Cabinet Committee meeting.  

The Cabinet Committee considered a report that sought approval for a set of recommendations to Cabinet associated with the disposal of the Council’s land at the Haymill site: land off Littlebrook Avenue, Slough, SL1 6LZ.  Members noted and considered the Part II appendices without disclosing any of the exempt information during Part I of the meeting.

The Council had originally intended to develop the Haymill site within the Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) partnership.  Following the issuing of a Section 114 Notice in July 2021 the Council’s capital programme was paused, including capital commitments to sites that had been opted to SUR. 

The disposal was in accordance with the strategy for SUR sites agreed by Cabinet in September 2023 and approval of the recommendations would contribute to a reduction in the Council’s future financial commitments, generate a disposal receipt at the earliest opportunity and reduce Council borrowing requirements.  It would also contribute to the Council’s aim of simplifying and reducing its land portfolio holding and make progress towards winding up SUR to enable the Council to focus on core activities and services.

The proposed sale had been subject to a due diligence process and reflected best consideration reasonably obtainable for the disposal of assets in accordance with section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, and as verified by an independent valuation report prepared by Haslams professional surveyors.

Members discussed the options set out in the report and agreed the recommended Option D to dispose of the site, utilising the SUR on-site sale mechanism, to produce a capital receipt in 2024 and reduce debt costs.  Specific questions about the site and the arrangements with SUR were asked and Officers responded to the points raised.  The Committee then agreed to recommend Option D – dispose of the site now - to Cabinet.

Recommended to Cabinet –

(a)  That the Draft Formal Site Development Plan at Appendix 1 to the report be approved and to agree the disposal of the Haymill site in accordance with the Sale Heads of Terms at Appendix 4 of the report.

(b)  That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Housing and Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Financial Oversight and Council Assets and the Executive Director of Finance and Commercial to (i) approve the final form of the Draft Formal Site Development Plan that is presented to the SUR Business Board; and (ii) to approve the final terms of the documentation required to give effect to the Draft Formal Site Development Plan (iii) approve any amendments required to any boundary structure, fence line or footprint including the granting or reserving of any rights required to facilitate the expansion of the adjoining Haybrook College.

Resolved –  That the Part II appendices be noted.