URL: https://www.fenland.gov.uk/localgov/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=913

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To provide an update to members on the proposed acquisition of residential property known as Meadowcourt and located in Elm near Wisbech.   The property, if acquired, will assist Fenland District Council both in terms of supporting objectives from a housing duties and commercial investment perspective.

Content: To provide an update to members on the proposed acquisition of residential property known as Meadowcourt and located in Elm near Wisbech.   The property, if acquired, will assist Fenland District Council both in terms of supporting objectives from a housing duties and commercial investment perspective. Members considered the Purchase of a Property Portfolio in Fenland – update on Due Diligence report presented by Councillor Hoy.   Councillor Boden said the rationale at the meeting of Cabinet on 30th September remains the same. This property is not a business acquisition to generate an income, it is to assist with homelessness and will reduce the Council’s costs for homelessness and housing benefit subsidy.   Councillor Hoy said that when this came to Cabinet in September, some people asked why there had been what they felt was secrecy over the matter and wondered whether it was because the property was to be used for asylum seekers. She explained at the time and would like again now to confirm that the property is not being used for asylum seekers. The reason that the appendices are confidential are purely financial; the Council is bidding for the property and wants to prevent someone else offering the same or a higher bid. She reiterated that the property is not for asylum seekers and will not be while she is the portfolio holder for housing.   Proposed by Councillor Hoy, seconded by Mrs French and AGREED to consider new information presented in this report, in particular the financial and legal implications as set out in Schedule 1, and:   a)    To reaffirm its decision of 30th September 2024, which was to:   -       Authorise officers to purchase, through the Council’s Section 151 Officer, the portfolio of property available at Meadowcourt Elm in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance (The Leader) and Housing and following satisfactory due diligence procedures. -       Authorise officers to proceed with a planning application for the conversion of the main house to provide additional accommodation as detailed herein with costs to be approved in advance, in consultation with the S151 Officer and Portfolio Holder for Finance; and   b)   Authorise officers to undertake the actions proposed as set out at Schedule 1 as part of the ongoing due diligence.

Date of Decision: December 16, 2024