Agenda item

Report of Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets reminded Members that the Idsall Drive Car Park had been identified for disposal in the 2020 Covid Recovery Budget and that since then, in line with the council’s Asset Management Strategy, a considerable amount of work had been undertaken to address community interest and concerns, including a survey of usage to understand the impact the loss of the car park would have.  This demonstrated negligible impact, with more than enough spaces available in the nearby High Street, as detailed in the appendices.  He also said that the council engagement with the Parish council reached no conclusion, and that discussions about installing EV charging points in the car park also received a lukewarm approach.  He concluded by reminding Members that capital receipts would be moved back into the town through the capital investment strategy.

Members made the following points:

-       it is clear from the report that the car park is underutilised, having been observed over many days, and that there are 23 free parking spaces on Prestbury High Street, in close proximity to retail units;

-       creating capital receipts from assets which are surplus to requirements makes good sense;

-       a number of Prestbury residents are clearly very concerned about the loss of this car park, but the Covid Recovery Budget focussed on the different ways the council could keep itself solvent without drastically cutting services for residents;

-       the council started its commercial investment portfolio journey in 2016, as a way to avoid cuts and to continue to deliver and expand its priorities, looking at all its assets and their usage, including Idsall Drive Car Park and one in Swindon Village.  The council has offered to sell the car park to Prestbury Parish Council, and both the borough councillor and parish council have been fully engaged in conversations;

-       the decision to sell was made some time ago, and the data and reasons presented with the report back up that decision.  Whilst hearing and acknowledging residents’ concerns, it is important that the sale goes ahead, although the council remains open to conversations with the community or parish council should they want to buy it.  If it is sold to an outside buyer, the parish council will benefit from the sale.

The Leader asked the Cabinet Member for Finance and Assets to go back to the parish council for further dialogue, as some of its members were not present at the talks in 2021.  The Cabinet Member agreed, saying that the council is supportive of communities and will find a solution to the satisfaction of all parties if possible.  

RESOLVED THAT:

     i.        the site is declared surplus to requirements;

    ii.        authority is delegated to the Director for Finance & Assets, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Assets, to dispose of the site on terms that represent best consideration and upon such other terms as are deemed appropriate;

  iii.        the Director for Finance & Assets is authorised, in consultation with Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Assets and the Director of One Legal, to prepare and conclude the necessary legal documentation to reflect the terms negotiated.