Issue - meetings

To seek Cabinet’s approval, in principle, for the freehold purchase of two residential properties in Clacton-on-Sea.

RESOLVED that the freehold purchase of the two properties be authorised, in principle, subject to Cabinet’s decision on terms and the necessary authorisations to the Head of Governance and Legal Services to enter into a contract and transfer deed to complete the purchase of the properties to be taken later in the meeting when it considers the related private and confidential report.

The Cabinet gave consideration to a joint report of the Housing Portfolio Holder and the Corporate Finance and Governance Portfolio Holder (A.3) which sought its approval, in principle, for the freehold purchase of two residential properties in Clacton-on-Sea.

Cabinet was informed that it was proposed to purchase two vacant freehold three bedroomed houses. The properties were currently vacant and were owned by a Registered Housing Association. Members were aware that, for a number of years the Council had had a strong demand for three bedroomed houses.

It was reported that, in October 2019 Portfolio Holder approval had been obtained to initiate the Council’s Property Dealing Procedure, in order to obtain an independent valuation of the properties and to negotiate a price with the owners. Those market valuations had now been obtained and the negotiations with the owners had been completed satisfactorily,

In order to enable the house purchases to be progressed to their conclusion and ensure that those properties remained available for social housing:-

It was moved by Councillor P B Honeywood, seconded by Councillor McWilliams and:-

RESOLVED that the freehold purchase of the two properties be authorised, in principle, subject to Cabinet’s decision on terms and the necessary authorisations to the Head of Governance and Legal Services to enter into a contract and transfer deed to complete the purchase of the properties to be taken later in the meeting when it considers the related private and confidential report.