Decision
Analysis
outcome: The recommendations to sell the property were approved.
summary: The decision to sell Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre in Llanrwst, Conwy for £316,136.61 plus VAT is at stake.
topline: The Director of Regeneration and Place has decided to sell Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre in Llanrwst, Conwy for £316,136.61 plus VAT.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the sale of a public asset and potential impact on local services.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Eryri Accommodation Ltd", "Local residents"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6041
Decision Maker: Director of Regeneration and Place
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: The Director of Regeneration and Place has authorised that Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre, Llanrwst, Conwy is sold to Eryri Accommodation Ltd for £316,136.61 plus VAT Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting of 12th July 2023 (amongst other matters) declared Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre surplus to requirements. Originally operated by the Council and most recently by Edsential CIC, the latter closed Oaklands due to COVID restrictions then made the decision to hand the property back to the Council in May 2021. Oaklands is no longer required for operational purposes as an Outdoor Education Centre and its remote location makes it unfeasible to offer other services from. A sale of Oaklands Outdoor Education Centre would remove liability for ongoing running costs as a mothballed asset and potential future maintenance and repair liabilities. The property has been marketed by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) since June / July 2024, both traditionally and also by auction. Interest was low and the property put to auction several times during the early months of 2025 without generating any firm bids. Oaklands was withdrawn from Auction in mid-April because of lack of interested parties. However, on 23 April 2025 the auctioneer advised an offer had been received to purchase. Eryri Accommodation Ltd have confirmed they will be willing to pay £320,000 inclusive of sellers costs. Accordingly, the Net Price paid will be £316,136.61 plus VAT. The Council will also be liable for Lambert Smith Hampton’s costs and disbursements as set out in exempt Appendix 1. Appendix 1 contains exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. It is in the public interest to exclude the press and public under Paragraph 3 ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information) Lambert Smith Hampton have confirmed that this is the best offer they are likely to achieve and are satisfied that this represents market value. The Council has decided the property is surplus to requirements and a capital receipt required to pay back DLUHC loans. Other options for reuse would not be feasible being remote from the borough. The decision has been taken under Part 3 Section C - Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers as the decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply. Background Papers Bid documentation
Date of Decision: July 2, 2025