In July 2017 Cabinet noted the surrender of the agricultural tenancy of Baydale Farm, together with some ancillary parcels of Council owned land, with effect from April 2018.

Cabinet agreed the re-letting of the 66.4 ha (164 acres) farm and ancillary parcels of land, and the payment of compensation to the tenants in line with the obligations under the terms of their tenancy and the Agricultural Holdings Act.

The Director of Economic Growth be authorised to negotiate the termination of the tenancy, pay compensation as indicated in the July Cabinet report and to re-let the farm and ancillary parcels of land.

Reason - To recognise the termination of the tenancy
To seek to agree terms and to re-let the farm and ancillary parcels of land at the earliest opportunity.

Alternative options were considered including:

(i) the potential to dispose of the farm as a whole,
(ii) to offer the buildings for residential conversion
(iii) to consider the site for potential mineral extraction and alternative uses.

However, in the short/medium term it was considered prudent for the Council to re-let the farm while options were considered.