Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item 13

10 June 2004

Alton Library

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:

(i) to declare the existing Alton Library site comprising 0.08 hectare (0.22 acre) surplus to the County Council`s requirements.

(ii) to market the site for residential development with the outcome to be reported back to a future meeting

(iii) for up to 100% of the capital receipt from the sale of the land to be retained as a contribution towards the cost of the Jewry Street redevelopment proposals.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

To enable a contribution towards the funding of library services.

2.2

This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy:

Aim 1 - Maximising life opportunities by contributing towards the replacement Alton Library, Life Long Learning and an essential local public facility.

Aim 2 - Stewardship of the environment by ensuring appropriate development within Alton town centre and a conservation area.

Aim 5 - Improving services by contributing to enhanced library facilities.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

A range of development options were considered whilst undertaking the feasibility phase of the project but it is considered that residential development is the most appropriate proposal for the surplus site given the prevailing Local Plan policies.

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