Date of Decision

10^th October 2006

Decision Maker

Management Executive (Councillors Colledge, Lamb, Mullins, Mrs. Poole, Mrs. Reilly, Tolhurst, Mrs. Turner, Whetton and Mrs. Williams)

Decision Reference

E/10.10.06-6

RECORD OF THE DECISION

Watling Gate, Timperley

(1)       That the Executive re-affirms that Watling Gate is surplus to Council requirements.

(2)       That the Council’s statutory duties under the Planning Acts in respect of Listed Buildings be noted and that the Executive is in principle opposed to the demolition of Watling Gate.

(3)       That all the representations and objections received in relation to the proposed disposal be noted and welcomed.

(4)       That having considered the objections to the proposed disposal of land forming part of Newton Park, the area of land which was advertised be disposed of as it is required for the amenity and security of occupiers of Watling Gate.

(5)       That the decision to dispose of Watling Gate to the individual named in the report, together with the adjoining land referred to in (4) above, be re-affirmed subject to the following provisos that:

(a)     Counsel’s advice on the removal of covenants be obtained and if necessary reference be made to Lands Tribunal;

(b)     if covenants cannot be removed the property should be re-marketed for sale for residential use only;

(c)     the land take should be minimised (as shown on the plans appended to the report) but appropriate for the safeguarding and security of the Listed Building;

(d)     subject to further consultation with the Police regarding community safety, a linkage be maintained from Leys Road to Rochester Drive, to the rear of Banbury Drive;

(e)     the proportion of the proceeds of sale of Watling Gate which relate to the building will be applied in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 1993, including an allocation of monies to the overall improvement of Newton Park;

(f)       the completion of the sale is subject to planning permission; and

(g)     the Council issues a press release indicating its decision and the reasons for it.

REASONS FOR THE DECISION

The Council must comply with legislation regarding the protection and maintenance of heritage buildings. In order to ensure that best value is obtained and the views of local residents are taken on board, the property should be sold to the existing highest bidder accommodating the principle of the linkage identified by residents and set out in (d) above.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED AT THE MEETING/BY MEMBERS  

Refurbishment or demolition of Watling Gate.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST DECLARED AND ANY DISPENSATION

None.

IMPLEMENTATION  DATE

20^th October 2006 (sixth working day after publication) unless called in

PUBLICATION DATE

12^th October 2006

RECORDED BY:

Head of Legal and Democratic Services

RETURN TO COUNCIL SERVICES DIVISION, ROOM 123, T.T.H., AS SOON AS A DECISION IS MADE OR AS REASONABLY PRACTICABLE THEREAFTER.