Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Community Services Portfolio Holder

Councillor A Woodman presented the report to members.

He informed members that Hospice Hope was a registered charity that delivered specialist care services for people with life limiting conditions.  The owner of the current accommodation in Griffydam now wished to return to the property and live in it; therefore, the charity was in need of alternative accommodation.  He reported that Bloor Homes had made a commitment to build the new accommodation for free if a suitable site was provided. Following a site options appraisal, Swannington Depot was deemed the most suitable.  Bloor Homes would meet the full cost of the design development and construction of the new facility, and submit the planning application.  The Council would need to make provision for the relocation of the bin storage facility currently at Swannington Depot which would cost in the region of £65,000, this wold be funded from unallocated reserves.

Councillor R D Bayliss commented on the unusual and highly desirable combination of volunteers, building developer and Local Authority.  He wished them well in the venture.

It was moved by Councillor A Woodman, seconded by Councillor R Blunt          and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The transfer of land under a long-term 150 year lease to Hospice Hope (the extent of which shown edged with a thick red line on appendix 4) subject to securing planning consent.

b)     The authority to negotiate and enter into the lease on substantially the same terms as set out in appendix B be delegated to a Strategic Director.

c)      A commitment to fund the project to extend the Linden Way Recycling Centre to the value of £65,000 from unallocated reserves be approved.

Reason for decision: The granting of a lease will facilitate the construction of the new facility by Bloor Homes to an agreed specification, which will be subject to a planning application by Bloor Homes.