Decision details

(i)  To approve in principle the sale terms of the Broadlands Road allotment site to Southampton University, subject to Secretary of State Consent.

(ii)  To approve the conversion of the land at Brickfield Road into replacement allotment plots, subject to Planning Approval.

(iii)  To delegate authority to Head of Property and Procurement after consultation with the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods to take any such action as considered necessary to facilitate the conversion of the Brickfield Road site into allotments and for the disposal of the Broadlands Road site.

This report is submitted for consideration as a General Exception under paragraph 15 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in Part 4 of the Council’s Constitution, notice having been given to the Chair of the relevant Scrutiny Panel and the Public.  The matter requires a decision following the recent conclusion of confidential negotiations with Southampton University.

1.  The disposal of the Broadlands Road Allotments to Southampton University will enable the University to develop the Highfield Campus, to support the Universities academic activities.

2.  The allotment site at Broadlands Road has been allocated within the University’s Development Zone in the previous Local Plan, which is now imbedded in the Councils Core Strategy for an Educated City – Policy CS11.

3.  The disposal of Broadlands Road Allotments will require Secretary of State’ consent, one influencing factor in the Secretary’s decision will be the re-provision of allotments and therefore the conversion of Brickfield Road will enhance the Councils ability to secure the Secretary’s consent for the disposal of Broadlands Road.

1.  Do not dispose of the allotment site – this inhibits the Universities ability to develop the Highfield Campus, the Universities main campus.

2.  Do not provide replacement allotments – Government Guidance for the disposal of allotments requires the provision of suitable alternative allotments.

3.  Dispose of the Brickfield Road Site for residential development – although the site is allocated in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, a conversion to allotments provides an opportunity to dispose of the Broadlands Road site to enhance the University’s growth and development.