Decision details

8.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report in relation to the proposed lease to the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) of Burbage, Houndkirk and Hathersage Moors.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

welcomes the support expressed in response to the advertised disposal of Burbage, Houndkirk and Hathersage Moors;

(b)

notes the concerns expressed by two respondents with the measures proposed to mitigate such concerns;

(c)

approves the granting of a lease of Burbage, Houndkirk and Hathersage Moors to the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest of National Beauty and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in accordance with the terms of the report; and

(d)

delegates authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to complete the lease in accordance with the terms of the report and such further detailed provisions as may be approved by the Director of Capital and Major Projects.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

Through the terms of the proposed lease, the RSPB and National Trust will bring substantial additional expertise and resources to support the long term sustainable management of this valuable and cherished landscape, within a robust framework of consultation, stakeholder engagement and accountability to the City Council.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

Retain direct management of the site with complete control and flexibility over future use and management. Not considered a viable alternative as existing resources are inadequate to ensure sustainable management, a situation which is unlikely to improve in the foreseeable future. This alternative is unlikely to:

·         optimise the benefit of environmental grant aid available

·         generate comparable levels of investment from third party organisations

·         result in the same degree of public engagement in the management of the site

8.4.2

Undertake a procurement exercise to find an alternative partner organisation to assist the Council in the long term future management of the moors. This option has been considered but discounted due to:

·         the track record of the National Trust/RSPB in delivering demonstrable public benefits through exemplary stakeholder engagement and land management on the adjoining Eastern Moors leased from the Peak District National Park Authority

·         the beneficial effect of the close proximity of the National Trust’s operations at Longshaw and the RSPB/National Trust’s base at Barbrook in delivering effective day to day management of the Council’s moors

·         lessons learned from management of the Eastern Moors, within the context of the established network of stakeholder engagement, can be applied to the benefit of the Council’s moors

·         the National Trust and RSPB are existing partners in the Sheffield Moors Partnership and are fully committed to delivery of the wider vision for the Sheffield Moors, through delivery of the masterplan

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing