Decision details

To seek Cabinet approval to the disposal of the site

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Built Environment which provided details of the urgent decision made by Leader of the Council on 31 July 2015 to accept the highest tender received in relation to the disposal of the Council-owned site at Senate Business Park.

Decision Made:

That the urgent decision taken by the Leader of the Council be noted

Reasons for Decision:

The highest tenderer required the acquisition of the site to be progressed as a matter of urgency in order to achieve strict deadlines in relation to the re-development of the site for manufacturing purposes which would assist to secure 62 jobs currently based within Sefton.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council prepared the site utilising resources provided by the former North West Development Agency. Its successor, the Homes and Communities Agency, wished to secure the disposal of the site and the Council was obliged to dispose of the site under the agreements with the NWDA/HCA and would be in breach of these agreements if it did not dispose of the site.

The Council could treat this matter with less urgency and risk the loss of a significant capital receipt and the potential loss of 62 jobs currently based in Sefton and the opportunity for the creation of up to 122 new jobs as a result of the investment.