Decision details

Disposal of Land for the Proposed Clifford's Tower Visitor Centre

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Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Decision Made

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Purpose of Report: The report will set out proposals to dispose of the freehold of a small portion of land around Clifford's Tower to enable English Heritage to develop a Visitor Centre following award of planning permission for the scheme. The report will also seek permission to grant a short term lease for a plot of land to deliver public realm area next to the visitor centre.

Members are asked to approve the officer recommendations as outlined in the report.

This non key decision has been added to the Forward Plan at short notice because the report is time critical and will need to be considered prior to the Vision on Southern Gateway in January 2017.

This item has been deferred to the January Executive because the external valuations of land were not received in time to enable clear recommendations in the report.

Decision:

Resolved:	That the Executive agree to:-

	(i)	Grant a long lease of the land needed for the construction of the English Heritage Clifford’s Tower visitor centre to Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England following the final agreement of planning permission, for a sum of £25,000.

	(ii)	Lease for a period of 2 years to English Heritage the land to be used as a public plaza at a rate of £5,475 per annum.

	(iii)	Transfer to Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England the freehold of the area of the motte which is currently in their guardianship.

	(iv)	Allow English Heritage to occupy the area of land edged with the blue line in Annex 1 on a temporary licence at a rate of £1k plus VAT per month for the duration of the works to Clifford’s Tower as identified above (subject to a maximum period of 15 months).

Reason:	(i)	To enable the development of a new visitor centre at Clifford’s Tower, and ensure the land value reflects best consideration.
	(ii)	To allow the building of a small plaza associated with the visitor centre whilst ensuring the council can include the land in any future plans for the area.

	(iii)	To rationalise the land holding of the Clifford’s Tower motte and transfer an area of land to Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England for which they have responsibility as the current guardian.

	(iv)	To allow English Heritage to carry out the proposed restoration and improvement works to Clifford’s Tower.

Report author: Tracey Carter

Publication date: 27/01/2017

Date of decision: 26/01/2017

Decided at meeting: 26/01/2017 - Executive

Effective from: 31/01/2017

Accompanying Documents: