Agenda item

(a)  That, having considered the objections to the proposed disposal (as at Appendix 1 to the report) and the summary report of the subsequent independent investigations (Appendix 2 to the report), Council officers proceed on the basis that the General Fund site at Norway Drive would be disposed to and developed by SUR for a commercial led mixed tenure housing scheme, subject to Cabinet approval of a transfer sum that represented no less than best value.

(b)  That The Lodge building at Mercian Way be removed from the demise of the Mercian Way disposal land as it was not a commercially viable disposal and involved the enforced displacement of a local resident.

The Principal Asset Manager introduced a report that requested the Cabinet to consider the formal objections received on the proposed disposal of land at Norway Drive to Slough Urban Renewal (SUR) for a commercial mixed tenure housing scheme.

At its meeting on 17^th July 2017, the Cabinet had agreed to delegate authority to effect the disposal of land at Norway Drive and Mercian Way to SUR subject to there being no objections in response to the statutory notices advising of the Council’s intention to dispose of the site.  A formal objection had subsequently been received on 20^th July in relation to the disposal at Norway Drive Recreation Fields.  The objection was in the form of a letter with 30 signatories and focused on various governance issues relating to the Parish Council, loss of open space, increased pressures on traffic and parking and negative impact on the character and visual amenity of the neighbourhood.  On behalf of the Council, Moot Hill Partners had carried out an independent investigation into the relevant issues raised in the objection.  It concluded that the governance allegations were not substantiated and the Cabinet was advised that it could proceed in making a decision based on what was in the best interests of the community.  The planning objections could be considered as part of the planning process.

The report also sought approval to reduce the property to be disposed of at Mercian Way on commercial viability grounds.  The architectural feasibilities had been carried out and it was recommended that The Lodge building be removed from the disposal site.  No objections had been received on this proposal.

Speaking under Rule 30, Councillor Swindlehurst indicated that he was supportive of the disposals in principle, however, he had concerns about the lack of information on the tenure mix for the Mercian Way site which was in his ward.  The Leader responded that the concerns about the provision of social housing on the site would be noted and he invited Councillor Swindlehurst to raise any further questions or issues with the responsible Cabinet Member.

After due consideration, the Cabinet agreed the recommendations that Officers proceed with the disposal of the Norway Drive site and that The Lodge be removed from the disposal of the Mercian Way site.

Resolved –

(a)  That, having considered the objections to the proposed disposal (as at Appendix 1 to the report) and the summary report of the subsequent independent investigations (Appendix 2 to the report), Council officers proceed on the basis that the General Fund site at Norway Drive would be disposed to and developed by SUR for a commercial led mixed tenure housing scheme, subject to Cabinet approval of a transfer sum that represented no less than best value.

(b)  That The Lodge building at Mercian Way be removed from the demise of the Mercian Way disposal land as it was not a commercially viable disposal and involved the enforced displacement of a local resident.