Issue - meetings

To consider the disposal of an area of land for use by the Anson Engine Museum.

1.    In accordance with section 123(2A), of the Local Government Act 1972 to advertise Cheshire East Council’s intentions to dispose of public open space by way of thirty year lease.

2.    To approve the grant to the Trustees of Anson Museum of a 30 year FRI lease on terms and conditions to be agreed in consultation with the Assets Manager and the Director of Legal Services and subject to consideration of any responses received in respect of the Public Open Space Advertisement.

An amended recommendation to the report was circulated prior to consideration of this item.

It was reported that the Anson Museum had approached the Council requesting a lease in respect of land adjacent to the Anson Road to use as overspill parking, picnic area and ancillary storage.

The granting of a 30 year lease would provide the Museum with sufficient security of tenure to allow them to apply for heritage grants, or any other grants, that might become available and be beneficial to it.  The Museum was a registered charity and did not receive government or public funding towards its running costs, the work being carried out and funded by volunteers and friends of the Museum.

The Museum was recognised as one of the Country’s leading specialist museums and had a unique collection of over 250 gas and oil and steam engines, many in running order, and was visited by enthusiasts from around the world. The proposal to use the land for picnic and recreational uses would also be beneficial to the wellbeing of the residents of Poynton and Cheshire East. 

RESOLVED

1.    In accordance with section 123(2A), of the Local Government Act 1972 approval be given to advertise Cheshire East Council’s intentions to dispose of public open space by way of a thirty year lease.

2.    That approval be given to the grant to the Trustees of Anson Museum of a 30 year FRI lease on terms and conditions to be agreed in consultation with the Assets Manager and the Director of Legal Services and subject to consideration of any responses received in respect of the Public Open Space Advertisement.