Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 16

19 February 2004

Staunton Country Park, Havant - Leigh Park Nurseries

Occupation by Beneficial Foundation and Havant Day Services -

Update Report

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

(Summary of CONFIDENTIAL decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

i)

That approval be given to accept an early surrender of the existing lease held by the Beneficial Foundation in respect of Leigh Park Nurseries, Havant, on the basis set out in the report and on detailed terms and conditions to be settled by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Head of Estates Practice).

ii)

The glasshouses and administration building at the site be demolished by the County Council as soon as possible after the lease is surrendered.

iii)

Negotiations continue with the Beneficial Foundation in relation to any long-term proposals that the Foundation may have for redevelopment of part of the site and that this be the subject of a further report to the Executive Member in due course, together with any proposals for alternative accommodation for use Havant Day Services within the Country Park.

iv)

The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services and his staff be thanked for their work in relation to this matter.

2

Reasons

2.1

The proposals address the health and safety concerns at the Leigh Park Nursery site and a decision is required to enable the current hazards to be eliminated at the earliest possible time. The proposals also respect the possible long-term use of the site by both the Beneficial Foundation and the County Council.

2.2

These decisions support the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 1 - maximising life opportunities by recognising the contribution that the site may offer in the longer term for providing facilities for clients of the Beneficial Foundation and Havant Day Services.

Aim 2 - stewardship of the environment by securing the early removal of unsightly dilapidated buildings.

Aim 3 - building strong and safe communities by ensuring that the potential hazards caused by the present dilapidated buildings are removed at an early date.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None

4

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

4.1

None known

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

Not applicable

6

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

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

.........................

Councillor T K Thornber