Report of the Chief Executive.

The Cabinet Member with the Economy Portfolio introduced the report of the Chief Executive (previously circulated)  requesting that consideration be given to seeking Expressions of Interest for a preferred developer for the 29.95 hectares (74 acres) of land shown hatched on the plan appended to the submitted report, to the east of Faverdale East Business Park (FEBP), for employment use.

The submitted report stated that a report would be submitted back to Cabinet with recommendations once expressions of interest had been received and analysed; the land was in the ownership of the Council and it was allocated for employment uses; the Council owned land at FEBP which was considered suitable to provide two potential access points to the site; and that the land adjoined the Burtree Garden Village site to the North.

It was also reported that the Council would seek Expressions of Interest with a view to selecting a Preferred Developer; scheme proposals would be requested together with indicative land values; and that options for the proposals would include plans for the Council to retain circa 18 acres to satisfy potential enquiries from businesses looking to develop in Darlington, so that turn-key sites were available.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the marketing of the land, as shown hatched on the plan appended to the submitted report, to the east of Faverdale East Business Park, for employment use be agreed, and Expressions of Interest be sought.

(b)  That Delegated Authority be given to the Chief Executive to negotiate provisional disposal terms with the final terms being reported to a future meeting of Cabinet.

REASONS  -  (a)  To promote new development and Economic Growth.

(b)  To facilitate future expansion of FEBP and ensure the availability of development land for employment related uses.