Decision details

Modified recommendations:

(i)  To approve the recommended changes to the Community Asset Transfer Strategy, attached at Appendix 1, to:

·  Streamline the application process

·  Give existing tenants first refusal.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive to make any minor or consequential amendments and/or refinements to the process as may arise from time to time.

(iii)  To approve the disposal of Townhill Park Community Centre on a leasehold basis and at less than Best Consideration (where appropriate) to City Life Church and to delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive following consultation with the Cabinet Members for Communities and Resources and the Head of Property to approve the detailed disposal terms and to subsequently agree detailed disposal terms and negotiate and carry out all ancillary matters to enable disposal of the site.

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, following consultation with the Cabinet Members for Communities and Resources and the Head of Property to transfer properties that have reached Stage 2 of the current process, namely:

·  Harefield Community Centre

·  Northam Community Centre

·  St. Albans Resource Centre

·  Townhill Park Community Centre

at less than Best Consideration (where appropriate) to either the current or any new applicants following the new application process and to subsequently agree detailed disposal terms and negotiate and carry out all ancillary matters to enable disposal of the sites.

(v)  To delegate authority to the Head of Property to approve the disposals on a leasehold or freehold basis at less than Best Consideration.

(vi)  To delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, following consultation with the Cabinet Members for Communities and Resources and Head of Property to do anything necessary to give effect to the recommendations contained in this report.

(vii)  To note progress on transferring community centres and buildings.

Cabinet approval is required to approve disposal of land at less than Best Consideration and to amend the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Strategy.

Do nothing and continue with the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Strategy and associated application process. This option was rejected as feedback from community, voluntary and faith organisations supported reviewing a number of aspects to make the process more streamlined and to shorten timescales.

None.