The Director of Regeneration and Place introduced the report which present options to committee for either the retention or sale of land at Arrowe Park Road, Upton to Lidl Great Britain Limited (Lidl) for the sum of £840,000.

It was reported that the Committee had previously approved the sale of the site in October 2020 subject to notices being placed for the proposed sale of open space and the appropriation of land. The notices had generated objections referenced in the report and the sale was not progressed. Since then, Lidl had increased the offer to purchase the land and changed the red line regarding the site required and given the length of time since the previous decision, was before the Committee for determination.

The Committee considered the proposed sale of the land, and it was highlighted that the Committee had previously resolved to sell the land due to the capital receipt, ongoing business rates and creation of jobs it would create. Members however further noted the local opposition to the proposed sale as well implications on the Local Plan and the sale being subject to Planning consent without onerous conditions. It was highlighted that the Committee had made significant progress with its asset disposals but had opted to not dispose of Carrs Agricultural Land at Meols due to its impact on greenspace, and that the Committee might be minded to follow the same course.

On a motion by the Chair, seconded by Councillor Angie Davies, it was –

Resolved (Unanimously) – That the land at Arrowe Park Road, Upton be retained by the Council and not be declared surplus and disposed to Lidl GB Ltd, considering information contained in paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3 of the report.