Decision
Analysis
outcome: The decision was approved unanimously by the Cabinet.
summary: The decision involves the disposal of council-owned land at Wessex Fields to the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust in order to achieve socio-economic benefits, generate capital receipts, and support the funding of the Council's transformation programmes.
topline: The Council has decided to dispose of council-owned land at Wessex Fields to the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust for socio-economic benefits and capital receipts.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves the disposal of public land and potential impact on local residents and stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust", "Residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole", "Local community members"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There is no explicit mention of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://democracy.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=861
Decision Maker:
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: RESOLVED that Cabinet: - Authorise the Director of Finance acting in his capacity as Corporate Property Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to implement the previous decision of Council to dispose of council owned land at Wessex Fields to the University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (“UHD”) on the terms set out in this report subject to any financial amendments. Voting: Unanimous Portfolio Holder: Finance Reason To authorise the Director of Finance and Finance Portfolio Holder to implement the previous decision of Council to disposal of land at the Wessex Fields site located at Riverside Avenue to: 1. Achieve the socio-economic benefits as the purchase by the hospital would unlock substantial health benefits for the residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole and the wider area. 2. Disposal of the site to University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust in line with its best value duties as determined in accordance with a RICS Red Book Valuation. 3. Generate a capital receipt to support the funding of the Council’s various transformation programmes. To ensure the terms of the disposal are set out in an open and transparent manner for member consideration. Please note that UHD would not be under an obligation to provide a link road connecting to Deansleigh Road PROVIDED THAT decisions under this Cabinet Report are made strictly in the council’s capacity as landowner and nothing in this Cabinet Report (nor any decision thereunder) shall prejudice or affect any statutory right, power, obligation or duty vested in the council in its capacity as local planning authority, rating authority or local highway authority or any other capacity.
Date of Decision: July 16, 2025