(Cabinet Decision)

Councillors Beaney and Forward, having declared a prejudicial interest in this matter, left the chamber during the debate on this item.

The Director of Operational Services presented a report which sought authority for the sale of land at less than market value in order to enable the construction of a new sports village on council owned land at Bexhill Recreation Ground.

The council has been approached by Bohemia LLP seeking the sale of council owned land at Elphinstone Road and land at lower tier of Bexhill Road Recreation Ground for housing development.  Profits from the sale of the housing would be used to support the creation of a multi-use sporting and leisure facility on council-owned land at Bulverhythe.  All of these schemes would require separate planning approval and the satisfactory completion of assessments of flood prevention measures of the sites.  However, the developer required an assurance of the council’s agreement in principal to the sale of these sites, before proceeding further.

Members commented that this proposal provided a significant opportunity to improve the sporting and leisure facilities in the town.  The development of land at Elphinstone Road and Bexhill Road would also provide much-needed affordable housing.  There may also be an opportunity for the council’s housing company to purchase some units of accommodation.

Councillor Chowney proposed approval of the recommendations to the report, which was seconded by Councillor Lee.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

1.       Cabinet agree to recommend to Full Council the sale of land to Keepmoat Ltd and/or Bohemia LLP as detailed under para 4 of this report:

i.           The freehold of the current Hastings United Football Ground and Hastings United Sports and Social Club site

ii.         A 999 year leasehold at Bulverhythe for the construction of the proposed Sports Village

iii.      The freehold of land at the lower tier of Bexhill Road Recreation Ground for housing development.

These sales being on the basis of the Local Government Act 1972 which allows sale of less than best consideration on the basis of social, economic or environmental wellbeing.

2.      That any sale is on the basis of the conditions set out in paras 4, 5and 35 of this report.

3.      The Director of Operational Services, Assistant Director Financial Services & Revenues and Chief Legal Officer agree final terms on the basis of this report in consultation with the Leader of the Council.

The reason for this decision was:

To enable the promoters to bring forward detailed planning applications for housing and sports facilities as outlined in the report.