Agenda item

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to seek approval from Members to asset related disposal, acquisition and estates matters.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Acquisition of roadway at Sally Gardens

            The Committee is asked to;

·        approve the proposed acquisition of the roadway  known as Sally Gardens Lane from the Department for Communities subject to the approval of the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee.

            Proposed Appropriation of Beechvale Farm

            Committee is recommended;

·        to approve the appropriation of Beechvale Farm from City and Neighbourhood Services to Property and Projects for holding in the Corporate Landbank, pending future decisions on the asset.  The decision is subject to agreement by Strategic Policy and Resources Committee as relevant committee for the receiving department.

3.0       Main report

3.1      

                                        (i)     Acquisition of roadway at Sally Gardens

            Key Issues

            As part of LGR and following an exchange of land with Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens (PCA) the Council acquired the lands. The Council leased back the Community Centre and constructed changing facilities and a 3G pitch on the land to the rear of the site.

            As part of the transfer of lands, the Council were granted a right of way over Sally Gardens Lane but the ownership of the road remained with DfC.

            DfC have now approached the Council seeking to transfer the ownership of the road to the Council on the basis that Council now own all the facilities at Sally Gardens and the only access to these facilities is over Sally Gardens Lane.  Officers have agreed to this request subject to this Committee’s approval and a report to SP&R in accordance with standing orders.

3.2       Financial & Resource Implications

            The roadway will transfer at nil cost. The roadway is currently in good condition. C&NS will be responsible for all repair and maintenance following the acquisition of the roadway.

3.3       Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

            None

3.4        

                                      (ii)     Proposed Appropriation of Beechvale Farm

            Key Issues

            Beechvale Farm comprises a 136.9 acre farm approximately seven miles to the south east of Belfast and is in Lisburn and Castlereagh Council area.  It comprises a former farmhouse, bungalow, ancillary buildings, an office and commercial glasshouses.  The land is mostly fields with some wooded areas, a fen wetland, a watercourse and connecting laneways.  The farm was acquired for the cultivation of trees and shrubs for city parks.  This is no longer undertaken as significant cost savings were achieved by Competitive Compulsory Tendering.  Much of the land is let on seasonal lets and the buildings have become redundant apart from some storage use.

            City and Neighbourhood Services holds property for operational purposes.  As Beechvale Farm is no longer used for operational purposes, it would more suitably be held in the Corporate Landbank.  The Corporate Landbank comprises properties which have no current operational use but which are either being safeguarded for future use or are being held pending disposal.  The Corporate Landbank is managed and inspected by Estates Unit, who also appraise the assets for future options.

3.5       Financial & Resource Implications

            There are no financial implications.  Resource for managing the property would transfer from City and Neighbourhood Services officers to Property & Projects, Estates Unit.

3.6       Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

            None.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.