Issue - meetings

The Director of Economy and Place to present a report which seeks an Executive decision to dispose of the former Older Persons Home (OPH) at Willow House to the highest bidder.

Resolved:  That the Executive approve the sale of Willow House to Empiric PLC as the highest bidder for Willow House.

Reason:    To achieve the best consideration for the Willow House site, and facilitate investment in the Older Persons Accommodation Programme.

The Director of Economy and Place to presented a report which sought an Executive decision to dispose of the former Older Persons Home at Willow House to the highest bidder.

With regards to concerns over the loss of public green space, it was highlighted that the Executive decision taken on 29 November 2016 included this space and not called in for scrutiny.  It was not a public space as defined by legislation and was required in part by the developer in respect of the proposals.  With regards to public open space within the City and sustainable urban drainage, these were both matters that would be considered through the planning process should the sale go ahead.

It was noted that the Programme Director of the Older Persons’ Accommodation Programme would be requested to provide Councillor Pavlovic with responses to his questions concerning funding arrangements raised earlier in the meeting.

It was noted that there was significant pressure around student accommodation within the City, which this proposal if agreed and successful through the planning process, would alleviate.

In relation to capital receipts, it was noted that a number of related schemes and funding would be considered as part of the forthcoming Capital Monitor report to Executive.

Resolved:  That the Executive approves the sale of Willow House to Empiric PLC as the highest bidder for Willow House.

Reason:    To achieve the best consideration for the Willow House site, and facilitate investment in the Older Persons Accommodation Programme.