Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 17

10 June 2004

County Farms Estate: Uplands Farm and Land North of Woodhouse Lane,

Botley Estate

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

(Summary of CONFIDENTIAL decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

That approval be given to:

i)

accept a request from the Personal Representative of the deceased tenant of the County Farms holdings at Uplands Farm and land north of Woodhouse Lane, Botley for early surrender of existing Agreements with effect 29 September 2004; and

ii)

re-let the farmhouse, buildings and land on a Farm Business Tenancy for 10 years with effect 30 September 2004

2

Reasons

2.1

The tenant David Caddy died in October 2003 since when his son has been running the farm on behalf of his mother.

2.2

This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 1 - Maximising life opportunities by providing a full-time agricultural holding available to let on the open market with effect 30 September 2004 rather than a year later when the existing statutory Notice to Quit will have effect.

Aim 2 - Stewardship of the environment by enabling a new tenancy to be let which will incorporate appropriate improvements to nature conservation, habitat and landscape identified in a Whole Farm Plan which will be undertaken.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

Sale of farm and land on the open market - Uplands Farm together with the land north of Woodhouse Lane comprises the major part of the Botley Estate identified in the 2002 County Farms Review as of high value both in its operational and environmental value to the County Council.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member 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:

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

Date of decision:

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

Councillor T K Thornber