Issue - meetings

To authorise the Assistant Head of Housing and Property Department;

(a)   to lease the former Ysgol Cwm y Glo site directly to Menter Fachwen for nominal rent in accordance with the General Disposal Consent (Wales) 2003.

(b) subject to Menter Fachwen securing funding and planning permission for a multi-purpose community hub, to agree on the terms and conditions of the tenancy and complete the lease.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys.

DECISION

To authorise the Assistant Head of Housing and Property Department;

(a)   to lease the site of the former Ysgol Cwm y Glo directly to Menter Fachwen at nominal rent in accordance with the General Disposal Consent (Wales) 2003.

(b) subject to Menter Fachwen securing funding and planning permission for a multi-purpose community hub to agree on the terms and conditions of the tenancy and complete the lease.

DISCUSSION

The report was presented detailing Menter Fachwen's plans for the re-use of the former Ysgol Cwm y Glo site for the benefit of the local community.

They went on to discuss the vision of Menter Fachwen, which includes a wide range of community activities and services, training and skills development opportunities, circular economy initiatives, as well as provision that will support health, wellbeing and social inclusion. 

The decision sought had changed to what was noted in the report and the amended decision was reported for clarity.

The background of the report was provided explaining that the Council had received an expression of interest in the site from Menter Fachwen, in accordance with the Schools Post-use Policy. Reference was made to the fact that this would enable Menter to expand its existing provision. It was explained that they would not have the income available to pay open market rent for the site, hence the application was for a lease for nominal rent. Cabinet was asked to satisfy itself that the economic, social and environmental benefits that would be realised from granting the lease outweighed the financial loss.

It was highlighted that the development did not currently have full funding or planning permission, but Menter Fachwen's ability to apply for significant grant funding was contingent upon receiving the Council's commitment to provide the lease. It was assured that Menter would be required to provide confirmation of funding and planning permission to realise the Hwb before the Council granted a lease.

Observations arising from the discussion:

·       The development was welcomed expressing pride that the site of the former school would be used for wider benefit.