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

DECISION

1.    To agree to accept a surrender of the lease dated 8 October 2004 held by the Mudchute Association, which covers Mudchute Farm and Park.

2.    To agree that simultaneously with the surrender, the Council will grant a new lease to the Mudchute Association for a term of 99 years at a peppercorn rent, covering the same area and on the main terms set out in paragraph 3.9 of the report.

3.    To note that simultaneously with the above, the Mudchute Association will grant the Isle of Dogs and District Allotments Society a sub-lease, also for a term of 99 years (less one day) at a peppercorn rent and on the main terms set out in paragraph 3.11 of the report.

4.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree the remaining terms of the lease and minor variations to the terms set out in this report.

5.    To note that the Council gave notice of its intention to dispose of the open space, by way of the grant of a long lease, and that no objections were received by the closing date of 13 December 2018.

6.    To note the equalities considerations as set out in section 4 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Senior Strategic Asset Manager (R. Million)

The Mayor introduced the report proposing a long lease for Mudchute Farm, park and allotments. He noted that the aim of the proposals was to create certainty for all parties involved although he noted there were strong views on the issue.

He heard presentations from allotment members expressing concern both about the terms and nature of the allotment’s sub-lease and also in relation to internal allotment society disagreements which they argued meant the society was not in a position to sign the lease.

During discussion it was noted that the Council had no role in the internal arrangements of the society.

The Mayor noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officers responses and, whilst noting the strong feelings expressed, agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree to accept a surrender of the lease dated 8 October 2004 held by the Mudchute Association, which covers Mudchute Farm and Park.

2.    To agree that simultaneously with the surrender, the Council will grant a new lease to the Mudchute Association for a term of 99 years at a peppercorn rent, covering the same area and on the main terms set out in paragraph 3.9 of the report.

3.    To note that simultaneously with the above, the Mudchute Association will grant the Isle of Dogs and District Allotments Society a sub-lease, also for a term of 99 years (less one day) at a peppercorn rent and on the main terms set out in paragraph 3.11 of the report.

4.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place to agree the remaining terms of the lease and minor variations to the terms set out in this report.

5.    To note that the Council gave notice of its intention to dispose of the open space, by way of the grant of a long lease, and that no objections were received by the closing date of 13 December 2018.

6.    To note the equalities considerations as set out in section 4 of the report.