Home > Council and Democracy > Meeting documentation


Meeting documents

Executive (I)
Tuesday, 17th December, 2013

REPORT TO:10
DECISION NUMBER:PH/130/2013
EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION:17th December 2013

LAND OFF HAWKING PLACE
Matter for Consideration:
To consider the disposal of land off Hawking Place, Blackpool Technology Park for the development of a new distribution centre.
Information:
Officers have provisionally agreed terms for the disposal of land off Hawking Place at Blackpool Technology Park. It is proposed to grant a 125 year ground leasehold interest to Royal Mail who will pay a premium up front and a peppercorn rent thereafter. On completion of the lease and planning consent Royal Mail will construct a distribution centre on the land with associated parking and landscaping. The lease is expected to be completed in the current financial year and planning consent is expected to be granted during the same period.

The proposed development builds on the success of the Blackpool Technology Park and Kincraig Business Park which has seen CME Mckinley, a national medical services provider, moving to Blackpool and Icare Group providing care services to expand their business by creating a new headquarters building in Blackpool.

The proposals will mean jobs will be retained in Blackpool and additional jobs will relocate to Blackpool from outside the town.

Does the information submitted include any exempt information?NO
Legal Considerations:
Long leasehold interest and therefore a Lease to be granted. Other items such as a wayleave and other licences may be required to facilitate works including infrastructure works
Personnel Considerations:
Royal Mail staff are to be briefed during November.
Financial Considerations:
The money from the proposed sale is ring fenced for funding of previously committed projects save as costs associated with the disposal of the land. All costs for works connected with the alteration of highways to accommodate a Distribution Centre will be met by Royal Mail.
Performance Management Considerations:
None
Risk Management Considerations:
Failure to secure planning consent would delay or cancel the proposed scheme, should such a scenario occur Royal Mail will have an option to surrender the lease and the Premium will be returned minus any costs which cannot be reclaimed. The income will be held in a ring-fenced account should Royal Mail exercise this option.
Relevant Officer:
Alan Cavill – Assistant Chief Executive Tourism Culture and Regeneration
Relevant Cabinet Member:
Councillor S. Blackburn
Consultation Undertaken:
None
Background Papers:
None
Is this a key decision?NO
Is the decision required in less than 5 days?NO
Recommendations:
To dispose of the land to enable the building of a new distribution centre.
Reasons for Recommendations:
The proposed disposal retains and relocates jobs in Blackpool, brings a capital receipt to the 2013/2014 financial budget, enables the construction of a new hi tech distribution centre in Blackpool and allows the Council to explore town centre strategies further.
Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council?NO
Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget?YES
Other alternative options to be considered:
Not to dispose of the land although this will mean the distribution centre is likely to be constructed outside Blackpool.
Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate)
Date Informed: N/A
Date Approved: N/A
DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable)
None
Decision:
The Leader of the Council agreed the recommendation as outlined above namely: To dispose of the land to enable the building of a new distribution centre.
Date:17th December 2013
Reason for Decision:
The proposed disposal retains and relocates jobs in Blackpool, brings a capital receipt to the 2013/2014 financial budget, enables the construction of a new hi tech distribution centre in Blackpool and allows the Council to explore town centre strategies further.

Date of Publication:		17th December 2013


[  ]