URL: https://democracy.stratford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4124

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: Councillor Gist – Law and Governance Portfolio (presented by Councillor Juned – Leader of the Council in the absence of Councillor Gist)   Consideration was given to the future use of The Grange Hall, Southam.   In receiving the report, it was noted that the land was jointly owned by Stratford-on-Avon District Council (SDC) and Southam Town Council (STC). Grange Hall had been operated by STC as a community facility for the benefit of the residents of Southam until Autumn 2024, when it was closed to undergo refurbishments and was currently mothballed. STC had confirmed that it did not intend to return to use it as an operational asset.   In addition, as part of the agreed management arrangements for Grange Hall, a Stewards Panel was in existence, comprising of representatives from SDC and STC, to oversee day-to-day operation. Under the Constitution of Grange Hall, decisions regarding its future were reserved to SDC and STC, and not the Stewards, therefore as Grange Hall was no longer an operating asset, it was proposed that the Stewards Panel be disbanded, on the agreement of both SDC and STC.   The options available to The Cabinet were to   1)   Support Option 1, as set out in the agenda report, to sell the Grange Hall; 2)   Support Option 2, as set out in the agenda report, to advertise the Grange Hall for lease by commercial organisations; or 3)   Support Option 3, as set out in the agenda report, to advertise the Grange Hall for use as a Community Asset.   During the discussion, Councillor Adam noted the keenness of residents and STC to use Grange Hall as a community asset. Councillor Coles added that should this option prove to be unsuccessful, then Option 1 to become the fallback position.   Councillor Crump, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) provided feedback from the meeting of the OSC held on 4 February 2026 and noted that STC had requested timescales for Option 3, which was noted.   Following which, it was   RESOLVED:   (1)That Option 3, to advertise the Grange Hall for use as a community asset, be agreed;   (2) That, in conjunction with the agreement of Southam Town Council, the Grange Hall Stewards be disbanded; and   (3) That the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Law and Governance and the Monitoring Officer, be authorised to complete the due diligence, legal agreements and documentation required to implement these decisions.   Note: In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, this item is not subject to call-in to the OSC.

Date of Decision: February 9, 2026