Agenda item

The Head of Assets was present for this item and to answer any questions from Members.

Members asked whether a business case had been made for separating Lot 1 and Lot 2?  The Officer responded that the business case was done as a whole but with the potential to let them as two separate entities, so when the tenders are submitted that will be the acid test of the financial interrogation. What the Authority needs to be certain of in the decision making that an opportunity hasn’t been missed by letting the farmhouse out in isolation because it could generate more income.

The CEO reported that the Pump Farm Farmhouse had decades where it had had no investment at all due to the tenants not wanting any investment  being put into the property, which would have meant their rent increasing, so the Authority has now brought it up to a standard for letting.

The recommendations as set out in the report was moved, seconded, voted on and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.     To amend the second resolution of the Authority, Minute 51/23, to the following:

“To modernise the farmhouse and erect two new farm buildings prior to re-letting the holding as a whole or in two parts, on either of the following bases:

·       Option (a) – if Lots let to separate tenants

Lot 1: (Farmhouse and garden) on a residential tenancy for a maximum term of 2    years 364 days, with a break clause at 18 months

Lot 2: (Land and buildings) on a Farm Business Tenancy (FBT) of 5 years (minimum) to 6 years 364 days (maximum).

OR

·       Option (b) – if both Lots let to the same tenant

Lots 1 and 2: on a Farm Business Tenancy of 5 years (minimum) to 6 years 364 days (maximum).”

2.     To delegate authority to the Head of Assets and Enterprise, in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Programmes and Resources Committee (or any equivalent committee), and subject to the satisfaction of the Authority Solicitor and the Finance Manager, to let Pump Farm under either Option (a) or Option (b) above, to the highest scoring tenderer, following the completion of a fair and transparent competitive tendering and evaluation exercise.

3.     To delegate authority to the Authority Solicitor to enter into and determine the terms and conditions of the letting(s) in accordance with the procurement exercise and in the best interests of the Authority.