Decision Maker: Cabinet, Corporate Director of Resources

Outcome: Decision approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 5, 2024

Purpose:   List of Disposals relating to the following Cabinet reports: ·  Property Disposals (Asset Realisation) Plan ·   Industrial Asset Rationalisation Strategy   This report sets out a list of disposals that were approved by Cabinet in February and May 2024.  

Content: Decision   For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:   i)  That Debden House and Campsite be marketed to be sold as set out at paragraph 4.11 of the report; and   ii)  That subject to (iv) below to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Resources and the Corporate Director of Children & Young People, in consultation with the Lead Member for Finance and Corporate Services and the Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainable Transport, Children Services and Education, to:   ·  conclude the sale process for Debden House, the outbuildings and the 3 terraced houses and to take such other actions as may be necessary to resolve the matter; ·  conclude the sale process for Debden campsite and to take such other actions as may be necessary to resolve the matter;   iii)  To note that as set out in the body of this report and its exempt appendices (in particular at paragraphs 4.10, 4.11 and exempt appendix 1), the value of capital receipts arising from the sale of the campsite in particular are predicted to vary dependent on expected future use.   iv)  The delegations set out at paragraph 2.2 of the report may not be exercised in the event that offers received are materially lower than set out in this report.   Alternatives Considered   a)  Retain asset and repurpose for other uses to support children and young people, such as residential care, short breaks for disabled children or by the Youth Empowerment Service. This option was considered and rejected. There would be substantial capital costs to adapt Debden House to be suitable for these uses, both to address the backlog of building improvements needed and create suitable, safe spaces for children and young people. There will be limitations on the adaptations that could be made as Debden House is a Grade II listed building. b)  Do nothing and to leave the site in its current form as a campsite, conference and event centre, however due to the reasons set out in this report this option is not recommend. Pros · Significant high profile asset. · Minimises social impact. A small but significant number of Newham campsite and conference centre users. Debden is also regularly used for camping trips by Newham schools. Cons: · Insufficient and aging facilities which require substantial investment. · Given the nature of the facility, it doesn’t necessarily fit as part of the CYPS Education portfolio, nor any other directorate of the council, as managing a site of this nature is seen as a specialist trading activity. · Campsite, conference and event centre requires significant and on-going investment. · Limited staff headcount and a lack of resources to effectively manage the site in current form.