Agenda item
REQUEST FOR LANDLORDS CONSENT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TEACHING POD AT STEPNEY CITY FARM (SCF)
Minutes:
The report was introduced by Stephen Murray, Communities, Localities & Culture. He advised that landlord consent was required to make any changes to the site or construct any new buildings. Stepney City Farm (SCF) had submitted an application for Big Lottery funding which was subject to the granting of landlord permission to construct an Eco Pod. Planning permission for the construction of an Eco Pod had already been granted.
Representatives from SCF addressed the meeting and outlined their reasons for seeking Landlord consent. SCF received 30,000 visitors annually and needed an indoor space to cater for them. The site had ample space to accommodate an Eco Pod and the building would be used primarily as a classroom space and also as a space for volunteers. The Eco Pod was not a permanent structure and would be made from recyclable materials. It would facilitate an enhanced learning experience for visitors and provide a multi-purpose space for volunteers, most of whom lived within a 2 mile radius of SCF.
In response to questions and comments from Members, SCF representatives stated that
·
The Eco Pod would measure 48sqm and could accommodate 30
pupils. It was not a permanent
structure, was made from fully recyclable materials and would have
a green roof.
·
The existing/café space was very cramped and the eco Pod
would be a dedicated volunteer space which would be located to the
left hand side of the barn.
·
The new structure would improve the amenity value of the site and
provide an enhanced quality learning experience for visiting
schools
· SCF catered for all age ranges and had a variety of learning programmes and activities to suit all learning needs.
· There would be no changes to livestock and the new Eco Pod would encourage more visitors as an indoor space would provide shelter during bad weather.
· Organisations such as the City Gateway Project was working with young people and volunteers of all ages were involved in directed learning.
Stephen Murray stated that SCF’s lease was specific to the provision of learning and farm and related activity on the site. A 10 year lease had been granted and there were 8 years left on the lease. If the Council/King Georges Field Charity Board was so minded, the lease could be extended for a further 7 years without the extension having to be treated as a disposal. However the Section 106 funding was conditional on a 25 year lease being granted.
Surjit Sandhu, Legal Services stated that subject to Landlord consent being given, a formal license agreement was required any lease issues would need to be clarified.
Having considered the presentation by SCF representatives and the observations from officers, Members were satisfied that whilst wishing to protect the livestock and produce on the site, there was a need to improve accommodation on the site. Members felt assured that an Eco Pod would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of the site and the Chair MOVED, it was seconded and
RESOLVED
(1)
That the report be noted.
(2) That landlord consent be granted for the construction of an Eco Pod at SCF.
Supporting documents:
- 03.1a Stepney city farm learning pod v3, item 3.1 PDF 114 KB
- 03.1b Appendix 1 Conceptual drawings of EcoPods, item 3.1 PDF 47 KB
- 03.1c APPENDIX 1 Eco Pod design and Site location, item 3.1 PDF 448 KB
- 03.1d APPENDIX 2 Decision Notice - Permitted, item 3.1 PDF 127 KB