Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Chief Executive (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the disposal of Council owned land at 294 Haughton Road Darlington, as shown edged red on the plan (also previously circulated), subject to the granting of planning permission for development.

The submitted report stated that the Council owned land at Haughton Road, totalling 0.13 hectares (0.34 acres), which was surplus to Council requirements and available for development; the land was currently grassed open land; the landlord for the Wickes retail store adjacent to the land, had approached the Council about acquiring the site in order to increase the outdoor retail area for Wickes, with access coming from the store not off Haughton Road; stated that without prejudice negotiations with the landlord had reached an agreed sales figure for the site, subject to a restricted use and subject to obtaining planning consent; and outlined the legal and financial implications.

RESOLVED – (a)  That the sale of 0.13 hectares (0.34 acres) of land at 294 Haughton Road, Darlington, be approved, in principle, with the Chief Executive’s Office being authorised to negotiate full terms in consultation with the Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio and with the terms being reported subsequently on the Schedule of Transactions.

(b)  That the Assistant Director Law and Governance be authorised to document sales accordingly.

REASONS – (a)  To achieve a capital receipt for the Council.

(b)  To assist business development and job creation in Darlington.