Purpose

Tendring District Council, as part its Memorandum of Understanding with Creative UK, supports production filming within the district as being of wider benefit to the local economy; this aligns with the adopted Creative and Cultural Strategy.
In coming to decisions in relation to management of assets, the Council must act in accordance with its statutory duties and responsibilities. Cases assessing principles of Section 120 of Local Government Act 1972 confirm that the Council is obliged to ensure that the management of its assets are for the benefit of the District. Awarding this licence provides for best use of a Council asset, bringing it into use and providing economic advantage for the council – particularly, use of this building for the assigned licence period will provide a contribution towards the cost of the empty property and enable TDC to apply for a further period of NNDR empty property rate relief once vacated.

Decision

To grant a licence permitting a production from the National Film and TV School to use the former council offices at Weeley as a location.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - To grant a licence.
Option 2 - Not to grant a licence – this was rejected because it does not support the financial position of the council, and is counter to the council’s approach to support the creative arts industry within the district (and its knock-on effect for the local economy).