The revised report attached replaces the one originally published with the agenda.

Councillor Adrian Jones introduced a report by the Assistant Chief Executive that provided an update on Asset Management and the Council’s Asset Management Plan, and set out proposals to generate £20m capital receipts.  The Cabinet was asked to note the work in developing its Asset Management Plan, declare a number of sites surplus to the Councils’ requirements and to proceed to their disposal.

Councillor Phil Davies drew to the Cabinet’s attention the need to make more progress in generating capital receipts.

Councillor Phil Davies also made reference to the Manor Drive site which had been designated for residential development in 2000 in the Council’s Unitary Development Plan.  As the restriction on development had recently been lifted this opened up the possibility of development of the site and realising a substantial capital receipt.  However, Officers were mindful of the interests of Upton pony club who had occupied the site for approximately forty years and whose lease had recently expired.  The Council’s preference was to work with the Pony Club over the next year or so to explore the suitability of suitable alternative sites. 

The current position was that the lease had not been renewed.  Proceedings for possession had been issued and the hearing was scheduled for 21 November 2013.  An offer had been made to settle matters.  Three e-petitions have been received but these had been rejected whilst court proceedings were pending.  The Council was also aware of a petition on a Government web-site.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the work required to develop a new Council Asset Management Plan be noted;

(2)  the following sites be declared surplus to operational requirements and officers be instructed to dispose of them in accordance with S123 Local Government Act 1972:

·  Acre Lane, Professional Excellence Centre; and

·  the former Rock Ferry High School.

(3)  the decision on land at Manor Drive be deferred and reconsidered at the next scheduled meeting of the Cabinet when the outcome of legal proceedings will be known;

(4)  approval be given via the strong leader model, to accept the purchase offers upon sale of identified sites;

(5)  the outline terms of reference of the Capital Working Group (Disposals) be approved;

(6)  the continued work relating to office rationalisation and agile working be agreed; and

(7)  the pilot area review in Moreton be agreed.