Purpose

As
part of the Surrey Homes for Surrey Children Strategy it was agreed
that a programme of purchasing up to 9 homes be established to
convert into new Children’s Homes for Surrey
children.  Cabinet agreed to the
proposal and Corporate Programme Panel approved the methodology for
managing the programme and purchase of properties.
 
The
programme has been progressing to identify, assess and consider
suitable properties across Surrey, and currently there are two
homes under offer- in Camberley. 
 
This home will operate as a 3 bed home for children at risk of
criminal exploitation.
 
The
appropriate teams have carried out due diligence checks and the
decision is to proceed with the purchase of the property identified
in Camberley. 
 
During the due diligence process a number of covenants were
identified on the Camberley property. 
This is not uncommon on larger houses in Surrey.  At this they relate to not carrying out any trade
or business, using as a private dwellinghouse and restricting
removal of trees or shrubs.  These have
been investigated and the risks assessed and mitigated.
 
There will also be a need to change the planning designation of
the property from C3- Dwelling House to C2- Residential
Institution.  This will require a
planning application to be determines. 
If this application is not successful, the property would need to
be re-sold.  Although the sale income
would revert to the overall programme there would be some loss to
the the council as Stamp Duty Land Tax and fees incurred in the
acquisition would not be recoverable.
 
The
assessed risks and mitigations have been considered by CLT and
approval given to proceed with the purchase.
 

Content

It
was AGREED that: the identified property in Camberley
 

1.    be
purchased for use as a Children’s Home within the Surrey
Homes for Surrey Children Strategic Approach