Issue - meetings

Appendix 2 to the report is in the exempt section of the agenda at Item 15.

Further to Minute 72 (15 November 2016), the Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth and Investment presented a report on the outcome of negotiations with the United Synagogue Trust and Redbridge Council regarding the purchase of land and buildings at 200 Becontree Avenue, Dagenham.

The Cabinet Member advised that the site was intended for a residential-led housing scheme in the medium to long term, possibly in conjunction with adjoining land already owned by the Council.  In the interim and to cover interest charges, it was proposed that the existing buildings would be let on a temporary basis to community-based groups.

The Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Approve the purchase of land at 200 Becontree Avenue as shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report, on the terms set out in Appendix 2 to the report;

(ii)  Authorise the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth and Investment and the Director of Law and Governance, to enter into all necessary agreements with the United Synagogue Trust and Redbridge Council;

(iii)  Authorise the Chief Operating Officer to market the site for appropriate short-term letting in order to mitigate holding costs, pending the development of plans for the redevelopment of the site; and

(iv)  Note that a report shall be presented to Cabinet in due course on the longer-term redevelopment plans.