The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To formally declare Shapla School, Cherry Trees School and the building on Guardian Angels School site surplus to requirements.

2.    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to enter into Meanwhile Use agreements pending disposal

3.    To agree that future reports will be presented to Cabinet regarding the terms of disposal where appropriate.

4.    To note that disposal of schools would be subject to DfE approval under Section 77 of the SSFA98, ‘disposal/change of use of playing field land’.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Director of Integrated Growth and Development (V. Clark)

Reasons for Decision

Under the Council constitution, we are required to;

·            declare sites surplus to requirement prior to disposal

·            achieve best consideration in disposing of sites. Delegated authority will support expeditious action in this regard. 

Receipts from the disposals will support the improvement of other parts of the Council’s education estate

Meanwhile occupancy will protect the sites from dereliction and offset maintenance and security costs pending approval from the DfE for disposal.

Alternative Options

Use by another school - One of the reasons for the closure of these school sites has been the lack of demand in the particular locations.  With the change in the Borough profile, the demand for school places has changed meaning there was surplus spaces in some area while demand predicted to increase in others.  The likelihood of requiring these sites in these exact locations is slim.

Councillor Mufeedah Bustin, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion – (Job Share post as part of Social Inclusion and Public Realm portfolio) introduced the report that proposed four former school sites to be declared surplus to requirements and for delegated authority to be approved for meanwhile occupation and potential disposal on the open market.

The Mayor welcomed the report, noted the pre-decision scrutiny questions and officer responses and the exempt appendix. He moved the recommendations as set out and they were agreed without dissent. It was:

RESOLVED:

1.    To formally declare Shapla School, Cherry Trees School and the building on Guardian Angels School site surplus to requirements.

2.    To delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to enter into Meanwhile Use agreements pending disposal

3.    To agree that future reports will be presented to Cabinet regarding the terms of disposal where appropriate.

4.    To note that disposal of schools would be subject to DfE approval under Section 77 of the SSFA98, ‘disposal/change of use of playing field land’.