The Resources and Performance Cabinet Panel met on Tuesday 2 June 2026 to discuss the future of council landholdings, the sale of County Hall and Lehoe House, the development of nursing home provision, and an update on Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies. Key decisions included agreeing to declare council land south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements for disposal, selecting City & Country as the preferred bidder for County Hall and Lehoe House, endorsing a social investment model for new nursing home provision, and noting progress towards a new building for Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies.

Future of Landholdings South of A505, Royston

The panel agreed to recommend that Cabinet declare council-owned land south of the A505 in Royston surplus to requirements and authorise its disposal. A strategy to pursue a joint sale of this land with the Highfield Land Trust (HLT) was also agreed, subject to satisfactory terms. The Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources and Performance, will be delegated authority to approve the terms of the disposal.

The land, acquired in the 1980s for highways and education purposes but never used, is now considered surplus to requirements. It has been allocated in the North Herts District Local Plan for approximately 100 homes. Discussions with HLT, the owner of adjacent land, have been positive regarding a joint sale to facilitate a comprehensive residential development. Concerns were raised about potential challenges from former owners or successors under Crichel Downs rules, but officers noted that any successful claim would require payment at market value. The agricultural quality of the land was discussed, with it being classified as Grade 2. While acknowledging the loss of agricultural land, the North Herts Local Plan considered the site's sustainable location for development, balancing this against the agricultural value. The disposal does not include land designated for schools, such as Roman Way Academy and the former Roysia Middle School.

Sale of County Hall and Lehoe House & Gardens, Hertford

The panel recommended that Cabinet agree to declare County Hall, including its woodland and former cricket pitch, as surplus to requirements and authorise its disposal. City & Country was identified as the preferred bidder for both County Hall and Lehoe House & Gardens. Other bids were declined, and authority to approve detailed commercial terms was delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Executive Member for Resources & Performance.

City & Country, a developer with experience in heritage sites, intends to convert County Hall into a predominantly residential scheme, retaining and converting most existing buildings. They plan to demolish the multi-storey car park for new-build apartments and develop Lehoe House & Gardens residentially. The cricket pitch and woodland will be protected from development and enhanced for recreation and nature. The front sections of County Hall, including the Council Chamber and ballroom, will be retained for community and flexible use, rather than residential conversion. The Register Office Block, currently housing Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Library and Hertford Register Office, will remain in council use until alternative accommodation is provided. Concerns were raised by Councillor Rachel Carter and Councillor Fiona Thompson regarding the long-term protection of community spaces, public access, the future use of the Council Chamber, the number of dwellings, traffic impact, and the provision of affordable housing. Officers assured that legal mechanisms could be put in place to preserve the use of outdoor spaces, and heritage protections would prevent residential conversion of key internal areas. The sale is expected to generate a significant capital receipt and reduce substantial annual running costs for the council.

Development of Nursing Home Provision in Hertfordshire

The panel endorsed a social investment model (SIM) as the preferred option for developing new nursing home capacity in Hertfordshire and recommended Cabinet approve its progression to implementation. This model involves institutional investors funding and developing new nursing homes, with the council entering into long-term lease arrangements and sub-leasing provision to care providers. This approach aims to deliver six to eight new nursing homes, creating around 600 additional beds, including 150-200 affordable beds for council-supported residents, with the first homes expected to open from 2028.

The SIM is intended to address a projected shortfall of 839 nursing beds by 2032, which could lead to an £18 million annual cost pressure. The model aims to attract long-term, socially focused investment, reducing the need for upfront public capital and sharing risks across partners. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the programme's timeline and locations, the availability of a sufficient workforce, and the financial sustainability of care providers. Officers explained that the programme is designed to be flexible regarding LGR and that procurement processes will require providers to demonstrate robust recruitment and retention plans. The council's commissioning strategy will also focus on workforce training. The model is expected to deliver better value for money by reducing reliance on higher-cost placements and enabling proactive demand management.

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies Update

The panel received an update on the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies (HALS) service, noting progress towards a new building and the service's strategic direction. The service aims to deliver high-quality heritage services that inspire discovery and lifelong learning, reflecting Hertfordshire's diverse history and communities.

HALS currently manages approximately 870 cubic metres of archives across three repositories at County Hall, with plans for a new purpose-built facility co-located with Hertford Fire and Ambulance Station. This new building, planned for completion by January 2030, is intended to provide necessary space for collections, public facilities, and staff areas, addressing the limitations of the current ageing premises. The project is currently in the feasibility stage, with a projected capital budget of £19.4 million. Concerns were raised about the financial contingencies for the new building, potential cost risks, and inflation exposure. Officers assured that a significant contingency is included in the budget. The report also highlighted the importance of the service's accreditation status, which is dependent on progress with the new building. Plans for the new premises include enhanced digital access, flexible spaces for partnership working, and a focus on inclusive histories. The service will continue to operate as a shared service post-LGR, with a dedicated workstream addressing cultural development across potential new unitary authorities. The panel requested further reports on the progress of the new building and clarification on the financial position of HALS.

Other Business

The panel noted that the next meeting would be held on 14 July 2026.