The Cabinet Member for Community introduced the report which sought agreement to transfer the greenspaces land known as The Walled Garden at the Mount in Faversham to Brogdale Community Interest Company (CIC) on a 25-year lease.  The Cabinet Member reported that officers had consulted Ward Members and Faversham Town Council about the proposal.  He stated that Brogdale CIC had carried out extensive improvements to the site over the last five years and a further 25-year lease would provide them with the opportunity to bid for further funding.  The Cabinet Member spoke about the work Brogdale CIC offered to young people with disabilities and learning difficulties helping them to achieve their full potential. 

The Cabinet Member for Community proposed the recommendations which were seconded by the Cabinet Member for Housing.

A Ward Member spoke in support of the proposal. 

The Economy and Community Services Manager reported that she had recently toured the site following their participation in the Big Green Week.  She stated that it had been an absolute privilege to meet some of the young people who had benefitted from some of the work programmes and urged Members and the public to visit the ‘special’ site.

Some Members that had visited the site spoke in support of the application and made the following comments:

·        Impressed with the work that Brogdale CIC were doing to support young people will various challenges;

·        excellent project bringing derelict land into good use;

·        the Council was working with a good not-for-profit company; and

·        this gave young people that might otherwise find life difficult the confidence to move forward.

Resolved:

(1)      That to comply with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council advertise the proposed disposal, as set-out in the report, and consider any objections.

(2)      That The Walled Garden at The Mount in Faversham be transferred to Brogdale CIC on a 25-year lease.

(3)      That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing and Community Services and the Interim Property Services Manager to negotiate the final terms of the lease, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Property.

(4)      That delegated authority be given to the Head of Mid-Kent Legal Services to complete the documentation required for the lease on the terms as agreed by the Head of Housing and Community Services, and the Interim Property Services Manager, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Property.