Decision details

To consider the objections and representations received following the statutory consultation undertaken pursuant to Section 123(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 in respect of the proposed disposal of open space land at 280 Watford Road, Northwick Park, HA1 3TZ (freehold interest) and, having given due consideration to the officer assessment of objections and representations, determine whether to approve the disposal of the land.

That the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration:

i)               Considers the full set of individual objections and representations made available to the Corporate Director Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, together with the thematic analysis and officer responses set out in Section 4 of the report and the relevant matters summarised in Appendix 2, including the identified disadvantages and benefits of disposal.

ii)              Approves, having considered the objections received in response to the section 123(2A) open space notices, that the Council proceed with the proposed disposal of its freehold reversionary interest at 280 Watford Road, Northwick Park, HA1 3TZ.

iii)            Authorises officers to proceed with open and competitive marketing of the freehold revisionary interest and to negotiate disposal terms in accordance with the authority delegated by Cabinet on 9 February 2026, subject to independent valuation advice and to legal and title due diligence.

iv)            Notes that disposing of the freehold interest would not affect the Council’s statutory planning powers, the status of any legally established public rights of way, or the requirement that any future change of use or development be determined through the statutory planning system.

v)             Authorises officers, following approval of the final disposal terms by the Corporate Director, to enter into and complete all necessary legal agreements, contracts and ancillary documents required to give effect to the disposal, in accordance with, and subject to, the delegated authority and safeguards set out in the report.

vi)            Notes that the bespoke restrictive covenants, purchaser obligations or other land-use controls are not presently recommended where their purpose would be to duplicate the statutory planning regime or regulate a future proposal not currently before the Council. Such measures may nevertheless be considered where legal and independent valuation advice confirms that they are necessary, effective, commercially proportionate and consistent with the Council’s duty to obtain best consideration. Any overage or other value-protection mechanism should be considered where independent valuation advice demonstrates that it is likely to improve the Council’s net return.

vii)           Notes that, before exchange of contracts, officers will complete all due diligence, consents, procedures and safeguards required by law. Officers will also undertake such further due diligence on title, lease, highways, planning, valuation and finance as is proportionate and commercially justified, including review of any material issues relating to legally established public rights of way, easements, lease arrears, turnover-rent certification, accrued breaches or outstanding tenant obligations, including repair, maintenance, environmental, access or site-management matters. Where proportionate and commercially justified, officers will ensure that the disposal documentation protects the Council’s position in relation to sums properly due, accrued rights, apportionments, overage or other value-protection mechanisms, together with any legally necessary title or statutory safeguards.

As detailed within the accompanying report.

As detailed within the accompanying report.

None.