Decision details

The report of the Chief Executive was presented by the Executive Leader and Executive Member (Economic Development and Public Service Reform). The report sought approval of the sale of land comprising 1.85 acres to Scorpion Automotive on the terms outlined in the report. The disposal will potentially create a development of 32 new low cost homes and allow expansion of the business within their own site.

The sale of this land will result in the major redevelopment of a vacant site bringing much needed investment and economic growth to the neighbourhood and in the long term potentially creating further job opportunities for local residents. The company will also be creating additional resident parking and retain a provision of open space on site.

The ward Councillors had been consulted upon and kept fully informed throughout the process and accepted that the proposals were favourable for the local community. They urged the developer to consider preconstruction consultation with residents ahead of the planning application to ensure a smooth transition.

Decision:

Recommendations approved.

Reasons for recommendation(s):

1.    The sale of land at Northgate Drive located at the edge of Chorley North Business Park will allow the rapid expansion of the company for tracker and security devices on a larger scale than present. The sale of the council’s land will result in 32 new homes being built on the site for all or the majority as low cost housing.

2.    Homes that may be classed as private sales without transfer to the Registered Provider are still expected to be within the description of low cost as the sales prices are anticipated as low as £115,000 per unit and will attract CIL liability.

3.    The sale of land will potentially result in a capital receipt of £208,000 (two hundred and eight thousand pounds) plus VAT

4.    The sale of land will result in the major redevelopment of a vacant site bringing much needed investment and economic growth to this neighbourhood and long term potentially creating further job opportunities for local residents. It is anticipated that at least the 68 staff employed will continue to be employed in the new premises.

5.    Scorpion Automotive will be creating more residents parking and providing open space on site as a result of their proposals.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

1.    A decision not to support Scorpion Automotive to purchase the adjoining Council land will not allow them to continue their further growth expansion activities, thereby not encouraging further economic growth or job opportunities on their redeveloped site and by the inclusion of a small parcel of land from the Council’s land.

2.    By not selling the land primarily for redevelopment there would be a missed opportunity to create up to 32 new homes for the locality.

3.    The Council would not benefit from a capital receipt.