Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item

11 September 2003

Waitrose Developments at Romsey

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

(Summary of CONFIDENTIAL decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

That, in connection with the disposal of the existing Waitrose store in Romsey,

(i) conditions imposed under the contract for the sale of County Council owned land at Alma Road, Romsey to the John Lewis Partnership be relaxed to permit the disposal of the store to food retailers a wider range of retailers, and,

(ii) appropriate legal agreements be concluded with the John Lewis Partnership and the purchasers of the store committing its continued use for food retailing and the availability of the existing shoppers' car park for general public use, on terms to be settled by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Head of Estates Practice) and in agreement with Test Valley Borough Council.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

To avoid the prospect of the existing store remaining empty for a significant period of time and to retain the availability of the shoppers' car park for public use, thereby protecting the interests of shoppers in Romsey and support the economy of the Town.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

(i) To retain the conditionality limiting the sale of the existing Waitrose store to the five preferred retailers which, in the difficult current market for such units, could well have led to the store remaining empty for at least 12 months after the opening of the new Waitrose store, and thereafter facing the prospect of the existing store being lost to food retailing use and the loss of existing car parking on the southern side of Romsey.

(ii) In the circumstances, this option is not considered to be appropriate as it would not meet the objective of enhancing the retailing viability of Romsey Town Centre.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or a member or officer consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

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Date of decision:

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Councillor T K Thornber