Purpose

As part of the Council’s contribution to
commemorating Mayflower 400, an agreement to rent the house of the
Mayflower Captain (Christopher Jones) was agreed with the owner.
This was originally due to last until the end of 2020, but due to
the global pandemic was extended until the end of 2022. In January
2024, the Harwich Society contacted the Council and requested that
the agreement be extended to 31st October 2024.
Further decisions published on 24th October 2024, 13th November
2024, 23th December 2024, 28th January 2025, 26th February 2025,
25th March 2025 28th April 2025, 27th May 2025, 26th June 2025,
28th July 2025, and 23rd September 2025 enabling extension to 31st
October 2025.
The current tenants will be taking over the lease of the house from
1st January 2025 and have agreed to pay the rent to Tendring
District Council for the period 1st January 2025 – 31st
December 2025. Due to a delay in governance around the agreement,
Tendring District Council has agreed to additionally pay 1st
November 2025 – 30th November 2025 with the current tenants
repaying the amount when the agreement has been confirmed.
In concurrence with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth,
Tourism and Regeneration, this request was approved. A copy of the
concurrence and decision is available on file.
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 31st May 2024
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 30th November 2024
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 28th February 2025
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 31st March 2025
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 30th April 2025
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 31st May 2025
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 30th June 2025
Decision - Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones -
Extension to Lease to 31st July 2025
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 31st August 2025
Decision - The House of Captain Christopher Jones - Extension to
Lease to 31st October 2025

Content

To fund the lease of Christopher Jones House
from 1st November 2025 – 30th November 2025 from various
tourism underspends with the agreement that the Harwich Society
will refund this amount once the required agreements have been
arranged.

Alternative options considered

This is a time limited arrangement that will
not progress beyond 2025, it has been agreed that the Harwich
Society will reimburse Tendring District Council for the total cost
covered from 1st January 2025. Officers are working with colleagues
to finalise the governance and legal requirements.