URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2011

Decision Maker: Finance and Legal Portfolio Holder

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Council owns a vacant asset in Northwich which has been declared surplus and the report seeks approval to dispose of the freehold of the site.

Content: The Council owns a vacant asset in Northwich which has been declared surplus and the report seeks approval to dispose of the freehold of the site. That:   1)            the site shown outlined in red on the plan (attached at appendix A) be confirmed surplus to Council requirements; and 2)            the disposal of the freehold of the site be approved on the principal terms as outlined in the report and the Chief Operating Officer be delegated authority to agree such other reasonable terms as deemed appropriate. 1)           The asset does not enable any operational service delivery and is therefore surplus to the requirements of the Council.  Internal consultation has been completed and there were no confirmed expressions of interest in the site or asset for direct service delivery.  The disposal aligns with the Council’s Property Strategy.   2)           Disposal of the asset will achieve several benefits for the Council and its residents that include a capital receipt that will support the capital programme, redevelopment resulting in a beneficial use of an asset and removal of costs associated with holding as asset with no determined required use for the Council. The Council could retain the asset. This option would incur abortive fees in relation to the marketing process and would leave the Council with ongoing costs. There is no viable alternative use for Council service delivery so the property would remain unoccupied for some time, pending a use being identified. This option is not recommended.

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025