Decision details

12.1

The Executive Director, Place, submitted a report seeking approval for Sheffield City Council to enter into an agreement for the disposal of freehold land at Smithfield and Cross Smithfield within the city centre.

12.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the proposals set out within the report and the terms of the proposed agreement as explained in the appendix to the report, and declares the land identified surplus to the requirements of the Council;

(b)

delegates authority to the Chief Property Officer to agree the terms of the disposal and the terms of any other documentation required; and

(c)

delegates authority to the Director of Legal and Governance, in consultation with the Chief Property Officer, to negotiate and complete such legal documentation as they consider necessary, on such terms as they may agree, to give effect to the proposals set out in the report.

12.3

Reasons for Decision

12.3.1

The intended outcome of the proposal is to deliver new private housing in a designated housing growth area and help assist with the continued regeneration of the St Vincent’s Quarter. The development proposes to deliver a mix of housing tenures which are non-student and will include a significant number of affordable units.

12.3.2

The proposals will relocate existing businesses to other commercial sites within the city which are more sustainable and repurpose older commercial use buildings which are inefficient.

12.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

12.4.1

The Council could do nothing; this may result in the site remaining in its current use for several more years. As existing buildings deteriorate, levels of occupation may fall and parts of the site may become derelict, as has been experienced with other sites within St Vincent’s Quarter.

12.4.2

It is feasible that individual parts of the site may be brought forward for redevelopment in isolation; this could result in a compromised scheme or restrict the future redevelopment of other/adjacent sites.

12.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

12.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

12.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place.

12.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing.