Agenda item

On 11 April 2011, in a report to the Executive titled “Libraries Transformation Project” Members approved the closure of a number of libraries including Tokyngton.   At the 21 May 2012 Executive meeting Members were informed of the intended disposal of the surplus former Tokyngton library. This report details the marketing exercise undertaken for the former Tokyngton Library and makes recommendations to the Executive in respect of the disposal. 

(i)         that approval be given to the disposal of the surplus former Tokyngton Library to the Islamic Cultural Association in accordance with the terms outlined in the Confidential Appendix in particular the financial offer but that if this bid does not proceed to also approve, as a reserve, a disposal to Tokyngton Homes Ltd., again on terms outlined in the Confidential Appendix including the financial offer and that the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects to be authorised to agree the final terms and to complete the disposal to either party;

(ii)        that the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement be authorised to appropriate the Tokyngton Library site shown heavily outlined in black on the plan in Appendix 2 (“the Site Plan “) for the planning purposes of facilitating the development or redevelopment of the site pursuant to the provisions of section122 of the Local Government Act 1972;

(iii)       that officers advertise in the local newspaper in accordance with Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 the proposed appropriation of public open space shown cross hatched black on the Site Plan Appendix 2 for planning purposes and to proceed with the disposal unless in the opinion of the Assistant Director Property and Asset Management significant objections are received in which case this should be reported back to the Executive for it to consider.

The report from the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects which reminded members that on 11 April 2011, in a report to the Executive titled “Libraries Transformation Project” approval was given to the closure of a number of libraries including Tokyngton.  At the 21 May 2012 Executive meeting members were informed of the intended disposal of the surplus former Tokyngton library. The report detailed the marketing exercise undertaken for the former Tokyngton Library and made recommendations to the Executive in respect of the disposal. 

Councillor R Moher (in the Chair, Lead Member, Resources) clarified that members had not been part of the procurement process and Best Value concerns had been paramount. Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) advised that the current planning class was D1 non-residential institutions which allowed for places of worship. Councillor Crane outlined the marketing process which had been carried out by a local agent and which had involved the six highest bidders being requested to provide clarification of their bids and Councillor R Moher emphasised that this was standard practice.

The Executive also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category 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).

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the disposal of the surplus former Tokyngton Library to the Islamic Cultural Association in accordance with the terms outlined in the confidential appendix to the report from the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects in particular the financial offer but that if this bid does not proceed to also approve, as a reserve, a disposal to Tokyngton Homes Ltd., again on terms outlined in the confidential appendix including the financial offer and that the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects to be authorised to agree the final terms and to complete the disposal to either party;

(ii)        that the Director of Regeneration and Major Projects in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement be authorised to appropriate the Tokyngton Library site shown heavily outlined in black on the plan in Appendix 2 (“the Site Plan “) for the planning purposes of facilitating the development or redevelopment of the site pursuant to the provisions of section122 of the Local Government Act 1972;

(iii)       that officers advertise in the local newspaper in accordance with Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 the proposed appropriation of public open space shown cross hatched black on the Site Plan Appendix 2 for planning purposes and to proceed with the disposal unless in the opinion of the Assistant Director Property and Asset Management significant objections are received in which case this should be reported back to the Executive for it to consider.

(Councillor Butt declared a personal interest in the above item and left the room for the duration, having taken no part in the discussion).