Decision details

Purpose of Report: To seek Executive approval to purchase the site from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Providing negotiations with the Ministry of Defence over the sale of Duncombe Barracks are successful, the Executive are asked to agree the sale with a view to developing the site for much needed affordable housing.

Discussions with the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association are continuing  but have not reached a stage where a firm proposal to purchase the site could be brought to the Executive. It is therefore felt that the paper should be deferred until the April meeting of the Executive.

This item has been deferred until the 8 May Executive as negotiations with the owners of the site have not been concluded and need to reach an agreement in principle on an acquisition price in order to inform a report to the Executive.

This item has been deferred until the 21 June Executive as negotiations regarding the possible purchase of the site are ongoing. It would be premature to bring a report to Members in advance of a detailed proposal for the purchase being made.

This item has been deferred until the 12 July Executive to allow more time to explore opportunities with MOD regarding the best use of the site from a York perspective.

This item has been deferred until the 30 August Executive as negotiations are still ongoing.

This item has been deferred until the 18 October Executive as there have been delays in negotiating a price.

Resolved:  (i)      That Option 1 be approved and the site be purchased (subject to contract) prior to residential planning consent being obtained and with preliminary ground investigations and surveys to be undertaken before completion of the purchase.

                   (ii)      That the site be added to the scope of the Housing Delivery Programme, as approved by Executive in July 2018.

Reason:     In order to develop a mixed tenure housing development, including 40% affordable housing, and a future income for the council from rents and sale receipts.