Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Interim Director of Environment & Property approved the decision at 2.1 and 2.2 of the report.
summary: The decision involves approving a settlement for the subject land to avoid court costs and potential loss of capital receipt.
topline: The Director of Environment & Property has decided to approve a settlement for the subject land to avoid court costs and potential loss of capital receipt.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it is based on legal advice and aims to avoid unnecessary costs.
affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Legal team", "Potential land users"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://preston.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1322
Decision Maker: Director of Environment & Property
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: This report advises the Interim Director of Environment and Property on the proposed Freehold sale of land adjacent to Ramsey Avenue and Lower Holme Slack Farm, Ribbleton (part of Title Number: LA145355).
Content: Decision Taken - That the Interim Director of Environment & Property approved the decision at 2.1 and 2.2 of the report. Reasons for Decision – The agreed settlement represents value for money for the subject land and Court costs are avoided; and Alternative Options Considered and Rejected – The Council could seek to retain the freeholds and defend the Adverse Possession claim. This option was rejected as legal have advised the Council’s ability to defend its claim is weak. Defending the claim would lead to court costs for the Council and the potential loss of capital receipt for the land which is of no beneficial use to any other party. The Council could agree to the Adverse Possession claim and not defend its legal ownership. This option was rejected as the Capital Receipt agreed would be lost.
Date of Decision: July 23, 2025