Decision details

To appoint BPE Solicitors in respect of the sale of Gloucestershire Airport

Decision Maker: Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) - Paul Jones

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

To appoint BPE Solicitors in respect of the sale of Gloucestershire Airport jointly with Gloucester City Council

Reasons for the decision:

The solicitors to be appointed, BPE, have historically acted for Gloucestershire Airport Limited, and have been involved in preparation of all due diligence information prior to marketing.

Moving to the disposal process, it is necessary to make the appointment directly between the council and the joint owner, Gloucester City Council, to ensure the best interests of the parties are shareholder and landowner.

Due to their knowledge of the history and issues surrounding the airport, it is the opinion of the Authorised Officer that it is in the Authority's best interest to engage BPE in this matter.

Alternative options considered:

Appointment of a third-party solicitor to provide oversight of the transaction process on direct behalf of the councils - discounted due to substantial additional costs to the councils.

Declarations: None.

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Agreed with the Director of Governance and Customer Services.

Contact: Paul Jones, Deputy Chief Executive (Section 151 Officer) Email: [email protected].

Publication date: 28/10/2024

Date of decision: 17/10/2024