Decision details

RESOLVED: Cabinet;

1.     delegated authority to the Assistant Director Assets and Environment to vary the terms of the agreement for lease between the Council and the Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust relating to the 19th Century Stable Block, as set out in the report.

REASONS:

1.     Agreeing to extend the longstop date in the Agreement for Lease and making the other changes would:

2.     Maximise the opportunity to see the plan for the Delapre Abbey site implemented, and also help sustain the Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust, thus securing important public benefits and community resources.

3.     Make it more likely that public expectations will be fulfilled.

4.     Minimise the risk of costs falling on the Council to restore and manage the 19th Century Stable Yard.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.     WNC could refuse consent to the extension of the longstop date in the agreement to lease. This is not recommended as it as it would cause uncertainty and discourage DAPT from proceeding with their plans to bring the premises back into use. The vision for the 19th Century Stable Block is part of DAPT wider vision for Delapre Abbey which would be adversely impacted if the stables were not developed.

2.     WNC could also consider whether to develop the site itself. However, no viable alternative uses other than those proposed by DAPT have been identified. The buildings are in a poor state of repair and would require substantial capital investment which has not currently been provided for. In addition to this, any future use of the site would need to be sympathetic to the wider services offered at Delapre Abbey so as not to have a detrimental impact on overall viability.

3.     WNC could let the stables as storage, but it is likely the income set against the cost of maintenance would not make this a financially viable option.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND DISPENSATIONS GRANTED: None