Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

Barnwell Drive is adopted public highway providing access to Barnwell Business Park (owned by the Council) and Marshall’s airfield. The Council owns the subsoil beneath the adopted public highway.

Prior to Barnwell Drive being adopted, Marshalls had a historic legal right of way along Barnwell Drive and this remains.

Marshalls has asked to acquire the freehold of the eastern end section of Barnwell Drive, amounting to 687 sq.m (0.17ac). This is to enable it to have the section of road “stopped up” as public highway and to improve security to their existing entrance and new proposed industrial building to the north of Barnwell Business Park.

Terms have been negotiated, subject to approval, to sell the small section of Barnwell Drive. As well as a capital receipt, Marshalls will transfer some of its land to the rear of Barnwell Business Park to improve the boundary line of the Council’s land ownership.

The Executive Councillor was asked to approve the section of land sale.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Finance and Resources

Approved the sale of the freehold of a section of Barnwell Drive and to acquire land to the rear of Barnwell Business Park on the terms set out in paragraph 3.5 of this report.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Head of Property Services.

Councillors sought clarification why the Council had not marketed the land sale. The Head of Property Services said the land was needed for access to Marshall’s site.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.