Agenda item

To consider the attached report (AMED-009-2013/14).

The Cabinet Committee noted a report from the Asset Management Co-ordination Group on the progress they made with the development of Council’s property assets.

The Chief Estates and Valuation Officer reported orally on further progress which had been achieved since the matters had been considered by the Group.

(1)        Langston Road Retail Park

Negotiations with the joint venture partners Polofind Limited were progressing. A meeting had recently been held with legal representatives to consider the development and the legal basis of the procurement of the buildings and the financial joint development arrangements between EFDC and Polofind Limited. A further meeting had been arranged and heads of terms would be agreed shortly.

(2)        Oakwood Hill Depot

The planning application would be re-submitted before Christmas.

(3)        Pyrles Lane Nursery

There was nothing further to report.

(4)        St John’s Road

The agents for Essex County Council, Epping Forest District Council and Epping Town Council, had spoken to the developers, the terms and financial remuneration were being detailed by the developers and this would be ready to be formally considered by members of all three Councils early in 2014.

(5)        Waste Contractor’s Depot

There was nothing further to report.

(6)        North Weald Airfield

The Valuation and Estates Department were in the process of appointing consultants to advise on estates and development opportunities at the Airfield, to be considered by the Planning Department who were preparing a report on the North Weald Master Plan.

The Chief Estates & Valuation Officer advised that the initial Master Plan report had been delayed but should be ready by the middle of January 2014 and therefore available for the next meeting of this Committee. He also advised that the main report would not be completed until the end of March 2014.

(7)        Torrington Drive

A meeting had recently been held with Sainsbury’s, their agent and the agent for Stobart Properties. They had implied that they were keen to commence work by end of January 2014, initially to carry out structural works and then to refurbish the Sainsbury’s Store. This was subject to completing legal formalities and it was hoped that all the work would be carried out by late spring 2014.

(8)        Winston Churchill Public House

EFDC was currently tendering for solicitors to negotiate heads of terms with the developer and the tender deadline was Friday 13 December 2013. The planning application had been submitted by the developer and would be heard on the 11 December 2013 at the District Development Control Committee.

(9)        Broadway Car Parks/Burton Road Depot

A meeting had been held this week, chaired by the Director of Housing. A number of proposals were being progressed and it was hoped that by early next year there would be some firm proposals for the development of those areas.

(10)      Lindsey House Epping

There was nothing further to report.

(11)      Town Mead Depot

There had been no further progress and it was hoped that a meeting would be held soon with Waltham Abbey Town Council (WATC) to discuss the proposals.

(12)      Church Hill Former Car Park

Second round bids had been received. There was a strong interest to purchase this site and the leading bid had been reported to Cabinet for approval.

(13)      Leader Lodge

There was nothing further to report.

Decision:

That the Director of Housing attend the next meeting of the Cabinet Committee to report on the development of the Broadway Car Parks/Burton Road Depot.

Reasons for Decision:

To receive more detailed information about the progress of proposal for these areas.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

A further written report with the lead Officer not in attendance.