Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the attached report.

RESOLVED:

1.     That the letting of the land at Bayham Road be approved and that the leasing of the land be dealt with under delegated authority to the Head of Economic Development and Property in consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance; and

2.     That the Head of Economic Development and Property in consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development, the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance be given authority to complete all necessary negotiations, legal processes and legal documentation to complete the lease be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To allow the Grant of Lease for 25 years to Tunbridge Wells Foresters Football Club that would support a well-borough by providing provision for football to promote and enhance the well being of residents.

Max Horgan, Estates Surveyor introduced the report that sought approval for the letting of the land at Bayham Road.

Discussion and responses to Members questions included the following:

-       Tunbridge Wells Foresters Football Club had approached TWBC with a request for a 25 year lease for the Bayham Sport Pitches Site.

-       The football club currently hired the football pitches on an ad hoc basis via a hire agreement.

-       In March 2020, the Football Foundation in Association with the Kent FA prepared a report on formal and informal grass routes football in the Tunbridge Wells Borough.  The report stated that the Bayham sports pitches site was in need of an upgrade as the current facilities were no longer fit for purpose.

-       TWBC had no plans to use this land.

-       35 teams (522 children) currently used this facility making it very worthy of the Council’s support.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the letting of the land at Bayham Road be approved and that the leasing of the land be dealt with under delegated authority to the Head of Economic Development and Property in consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance; and

2.    That the Head of Economic Development and Property in consultation with the Director of Finance, Policy and Development, the Monitoring Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Governance be given authority to complete all necessary negotiations, legal processes and legal documentation to complete the lease be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

To allow the Grant of Lease for 25 years to Tunbridge Wells Foresters Football Club that would support a well-borough by providing provision for football to promote and enhance the well being of residents.

To consider and provide a recommendation to Cabinet on the proposals set out in the attached report.

Max Horgan, Estates Surveyor introduced the report that sought approval for the letting of the land at Bayham Road.

Discussion and responses to Members questions included the following:

-       Tunbridge Wells Foresters Football Club had approached TWBC with a request for a 25 year lease for the Bayham Sport Pitches site.

-       The football club currently hired these football pitches on an ad hoc basis.

-       The Bayham Sports site was in need of refurbishment and improvements including, changing facilities and drainage.

-       The lease could include a break clause provision that would allow say a 6 month notice period by either party should there be a change in circumstances. 

RESOLVED – That the recommendations to Cabinet as set out in the report be supported.