1 – Apologies for Absence

There were no apologies for absence.

Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.

 

2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests

There were no disclosures of pecuniary interest.

 

3 – Public Participation

Members of the public were present at the meeting and were keen that their support for retaining the Lads of the Village pub as a community asset was noted. One member of the public wanted it to be known that he supported the notion of saving the pub but had questions regarding funding mechanisms and the perception of utilizing significant sums of money on assets at a time when people are struggling with the cost of living. In response to this, it was explained that funds such as the Community Infrastructure Levy are generally prescribed or ring-fenced and not applicable to support cost of living initiatives, however, could indirectly help to address such issues through having enhanced interaction with the community. Funds utilised towards any purchase of the pub would not detract from other funds that the council puts in place for community support activities.

Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act, s 100.

 

4 – Freehold Purchase of the Lads of the Village PH

Members were presented with a report setting out the implications and potential mechanisms to support a potential bid for the freehold purchase for the Lads of the Village Public House. The Clerk advised that this was a key decision for the council that might decide the future of the pub, or at least provide a degree of community control regarding what happens to the asset going forward. However, she also reiterated that the current legislation confers no ‘right to buy’ only a ‘right to bid’ and therefore even if the council were to resolve to make an offer, this would be subject to the will of the freeholder.

Before resolving the item, councillors spoke of their individual feelings about the pub. Some had been regulars in which the pub had been a significant back drop to friendships and life celebrations, mention was made of the hundreds of thousands of pounds that the pub had raised for cancer charities over the years and the various clubs and activities that had been based there, others confirmed no personal involvement with the pub but acknowledged that in dialogue with residents that despite not being a regular user, few seemed keen to see it disappear. The ability for the council to be in control of the future of the asset was reiterated, which could be based on community aspirations and the desire to enhance social cohesion and maintain local heritage. The Chair reminded members of the journey the council had been on to initially obtain formal acknowledgement of the value of the pub through this being listed as an Asset of Community Value, and subsequently through invoking a moratorium period on its sale. This decision represented the natural conclusion to those actions to retain the community value that has been highlighted by councillors and residents.

After thorough discussion, the Council voted on the recommendation to negotiate the purchase of the property at a price not exceeding £375,000, utilizing a Public Works Loan to be repaid over a 20-year term. The proposal also included a provision for associated legal and conveyancing fees up to £6,000.

The recommendation was approved, with nine votes in favor and two against.

Delegated approval was provided to officers to negotiate with the freeholder and instruct legal and conveyancing services as necessary.

 

There being no further business the Chairperson closed the meeting at 20:10.