As part of the Council’s contribution to commemorate Mayflower 400, an agreement to rent the house of the Mayflower Captain (Christopher Jones) was agreed with the owner. This was originally due to last until the end of 2020, but due to the global pandemic was extended until the end of 2022. In January 2024, the current tenants contacted the Council and requested that the agreement be extended to 31st October 2024, this decision was published on 31st January 2024 with funding identified to 31st May 2024.
In agreement with the original decision, a review with the current tenants was undertaken and it was agreed to continue funding the current tenants to 31st October 2024 with funding identified from various Tourism underspends.
To enable Tendring District Council to return Christopher Jones House to its former condition, a further month extension to 30th November 2024 was required should further funding be unavailable. In concurrence with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Tourism and Regeneration, this request was approved.
This decision was agreed with support of the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Tourism and Regeneration by concurrence.
A copy of the concurrence and decision is available on file.

To fund the extension of Christopher Jones House lease to the current tenants to 31st October 2024 funded by identified various tourism related underspends. In addition, to fund a further month's lease to 30th November 2024 in order to enable Tendring District Council to restore the property to its original condition with funding identified also from various Tourism related underspends.

The Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration has concurred with this decision being made.

Option 1 - To not extend the lease and to close the house as a visitor attraction.
Option 2 - To fund the extension of the lease to 31st October 2024 and to fund an additional one month period to 30th November 2024 to enable Tendring District Council to restore the property to its former condition.
Option 3 -