Issue - meetings

To consider a report seeking approval to grant a lease to The Middlewich Heritage Trust (The Trust) for the Brine Pump in Middlewich.

1.     To approve the granting of a 30 year lease for the Brine Pump, Middlewich to the Middlewich Heritage Trust.

2.     To authorise the Director of Legal Services to approve and execute all legal documentation to proceed with the practical completion of the lease.

It was reported that the site under consideration was the former Brine Pump, a heritage asset registered as a Scheduled Monument in 2001.  It had been vacant for a number of years and in need of substantial renovation.  The Council advertised the property for a 30 year lease and received one offer which had been reviewed in relation to the proposed rent and lease terms, proposed use, compliance with planning and overall financial value to the Council.

Letting the property would relieve the Council of its obligations in terms of future holding costs (throughout the duration of the lease).  The most recent repairs had cost in the region of £100,000, with the Council contributing in the region of £23,566.  The Middlewich Heritage Trust was able to access grant funding for the remaining amount and so carry out repairs.  Without such funding, the structure would continue to deteriorate, creating greater risk for the Council, both from a maintenance and statutory compliance perspective.  

The work planned by the Trust amounted to hundreds of thousands of pounds to bring it up to a safe and usable state, further restore the Pump, improve and enhance the property, and promote it as a heritage asset which can be used by the residents of Cheshire.  The Council, and the public, would receive the benefit of a much improved asset.  The Trust would be responsible for obtaining planning permission and Scheduled Monument consent for the proposed improvements works and for a change of use (where necessary).

RESOLVED

1.     That approval be given to the granting of a 30 year lease for the Brine Pump, Middlewich to the Middlewich Heritage Trust.

2.     That the Director of Legal Services be authorised to approve and execute all legal documentation to proceed with the practical completion of the lease.