URL: https://democracy.runnymede.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1619

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Committee was updated on the grant of the lease to the Englefield Green Cricket Club to regularise their occupation of the pavilion and use of the cricket facilities at Englefield Green Recreation Ground.   The Committee was advised that the Cricket Club had occupied the pavilion at Englefield Green for many years, most recently under a ten years’ licence to occupy, granted on 27 November 2014.  Since expiry of the 2014 licence, negotiations had been taking place on the new terms for the club’s occupation of the pavilion and adjacent storage shed.  During negotiations the club had continued to have occupation of the pavilion and adjacent storage shed.   Officers advised the Committee that the Cricket Club was structured as an unincorporated association, governed by a constitution adopted on 1st January 2024.  The Cricket Club, therefore, had no separate legal personality, and could not enter into contracts with third parties.  Authorised representatives of the Cricket Club must, therefore, enter into any legal agreements on behalf of the Club, and they were at risk of being held personally liable for the obligations incurred.   Officers had agreed the Heads of Terms, for a new lease for the pavilion and storage shed, with non-exclusive ancillary rights for use of the square/outfield and a right to use a designated storage area for the screens.   Approval of the Heads of Terms were agreed by the Corporate Management Committee in November 2025, since then some progress had been made.   The Constitution of the Cricket Club had been provided to the Council, however, it was not clear that the document authorised their representatives to act as signatories on behalf of the Cricket Club.  Further enquiries had been raised;   The names of the current Secretary and Vice Chair of the Cricket Club had been provided as the persons who will enter into the lease on behalf of the Cricket Club; and   A draft of the lease had been issued to the members of the Cricket Club whose contact details had been provided to Council’s legal Officers.   Council Officers were currently awaiting details of the solicitors engaged to act for the Cricket Club in negotiating a new lease or (in the alternative and the minimum requirement of the Council)  evidence of the identity of the Cricket Club’s representatives and evidence that they had engaged solicitors or a competent third party to act for the Cricket Club in the registration of the lease.          

Date of Decision: April 21, 2026