Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to proceed with the proposed CAT comprising the leasehold disposal of the WHEEC, detailing the outcome of marketing and makes a recommendation to grant a lease to a preferred or a reserved bidder. 

(i)         that approval be given to the proposed Community Asset Transfer of the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre;

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Operational Director Property and Projects to finalise and agree the terms of a leasehold and associated licence disposal to the preferred applicant, Thames 21 in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, the Strategic Director of Children and Young People and the Chief Finance Officer;

(iii)       that efforts to try to get the two bidders to work together to deliver an improved service at the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre be endorsed.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Housing and Regeneration) reminded the Cabinet that in December 2012 following the budget report it was decided to withdraw council funding from the Welsh Harp Environmental Educational Centre (WHEEC).  Subsequently, the WHEEC has been identified as potentially suitable for Community Asset Transfer (CAT) in accordance with the provisions agreed as part of the new Strategic Property Plan 2015-19 which would provide an opportunity to secure continuity of an existing valuable service from the centre in some form.  Councillor McLennan advised that following a marketing exercise, two applicants had come forward separately to continue the work of the centre, The Carey’s Foundation and the charity Thames 21, and consideration was now being given to whether they could work together to provide an enhanced service. 

Members welcomed the proposal and the opportunity for young people to be able to continue to use the centre which was a valuable nature resource. Councillor Mashari hoped to be able to receive more information on the viability of the partnership arrangement and the agreement reached. Councillor Pavey expressed that to the children of Chalkhill Primary who had written letters in support of the centre.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following categories of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

·         Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

·         information in respect of which a claim for legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the proposed Community Asset Transfer of the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre;

(ii)        that authority be delegated to the Operational Director Property and Projects to finalise and agree the terms of a leasehold and associated licence disposal to the preferred applicant, Thames 21 in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer, the Strategic Director of Children and Young People and the Chief Finance Officer;

(iii)       that efforts to try to get the two bidders to work together to deliver an improved service at the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre be endorsed.