Decision
Analysis
outcome: The sale to the preferred bidder was approved, with authority delegated to negotiate terms and execute legal documentation.
summary: The decision at stake is the sale of the former Lancing Police Station at 107-111 North Road, Lancing, which was acquired in 2021 for development purposes.
topline: The Joint Strategic Committee has decided to approve the sale of the former Lancing Police Station to the preferred bidder, addressing financial burdens and site risks.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the sale of a public property and potential community use, which could impact local stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["Local residents", "Potential developers", "Council members"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://democracy.adur-worthing.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1222
Decision Maker: Joint Strategic Committee
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: Before the Committee was a report by the Assistant Director for Regenerative Development, copies of which had been circulated to all Members and a copy of which is attached to the signed copy of these minutes as Item 6. This report sought approval for the sale of the former Lancing Police Station at 107-111 North Road, Lancing. Acquired in 2021 with the intention of development, including potential temporary accommodation. The Councils had partnered with Freedom Works to provide use of the site, however, the building has been vacant since February 2024 when they discontinued operations from the site. Subsequent attempts at community use were unsuccessful. Holding the vacant property increased costs and risks to the Council, necessitating a new approach. Following a marketing process, ten bids were received. Four were at or above the anticipated acceptable level, with one being an unconditional offer ensuring a quick transaction. This aligns with the Council's objective to secure best consideration as per s123 of the Local Government Act 1972. Recommendations include approving the sale to the highest bidder and instructing officers to execute legal documentation. The sale addresses financial burdens, mitigated site risks, and ensured compliance with regulations. Decision: 1. That the sale of the former Lancing Police Station to the preferred bidder be approved as set out in Appendix 1, and that authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Regenerative Development to negotiate the terms of sale together with the associated legal documentation in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and the Councils’ Chief Finance Officer ensuring that best consideration on the disposal is achieved. 2. That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director for Regenerative Development, having consulted with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources and the Chief Finance Officer (in writing) to execute all legal documents required to effect the sale. 3. That the financial paragraphs contained in this report and to approve the proposed use of funding from the income achieved by the sale be noted. Call In: The call-in deadline for decisions will be 5.00pm on 13 June 2025
Date of Decision: June 3, 2025