The decision of the 18^th February 2015 Asset and Enterprise Committee was to grant delegated authority in the following terms:

“That delegated authority be granted to the Strategic Asset Manager after consultation with the Chair of Asset and Enterprise Committee to negotiate and enter into a lease of the Hutton Community Centre to Essex Boys and Girls Club”.

Negotiations subsequently failed to result in the grant of a lease and so the matter was brought back to Members.

A motion was moved by Cllr Mrs McKinlay and SECONDED by Cllr Hossack to agree the recommendations in the report.

A vote was taken by a show of hands and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that:

1.         An external valuation of the property known as Hutton Community Centre be carried out to determine the current open market rental that could be expected.

2.         The process for seeking bids for a lease of Hutton Community Centre be carried out in accordance with the process set out in the report.

3.         Those bids received be considered by a future meeting of the Policy, Finance and Resources Committee. 

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATION

To secure a lease to a suitable Community group to manage and operate the centre for the benefit of the local community whilst securing the best rental return to the Council.