The Officer Non-Key Decision meeting on Friday 5 June 2026 approved the granting of a new lease for a property at 18 Springfield Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood. This decision was made by Sam Faulding, Assistant Director of Asset Strategy, and was deemed a non-key decision with a financial value up to £500,000.

Approval to Grant a New Lease: 18 Springfield Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood

The meeting approved the granting of a new lease for the property located at 18 Springfield Avenue, Hutton, Brentwood CM13 1RE. This decision was taken by Sam Faulding, Assistant Director of Asset Strategy, under delegated authority. The property is a ground-floor lock-up shop within the council's commercial property portfolio, which is not required for operational use.

The property was marketed via Mass & Co, and a new tenant, Jade Foods PVT Ltd, has agreed to terms. The agreed rent represents an uplift compared to an earlier bid from the same tenant in 2024, while still achieving best consideration as confirmed by the council's agent. This letting aligns with the council's priorities of community wealth building by reactivating a vacant property, enhancing the local community, creating jobs, and fostering an inclusive economy. It also contributes to the council's policy of Building a Fairer Newham by enabling better neighbourhoods and a healthier Newham.

The decision ensures that the council's commercial premises are managed efficiently, reducing void properties, holding costs, and financial risk, while generating income. The lease agreement is in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972¹, which requires local authorities to dispose of land for the best consideration reasonably obtainable. The property was let on the open market to satisfy this requirement.

Alternative options considered and rejected included not agreeing to the letting, which would have left the site vacant, forgoing income, and continuing to incur security and financial liabilities. Disposal of the site was also considered but rejected because the property is part of a block of housing, and its disposal would fragment ownership and hinder the council's ability to manage the wider estate effectively. This advice was supported by JLL.

The decision was exempt from publication under paragraph 3 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules, as it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of a particular person, and the public interest in non-disclosure outweighed the public interest in disclosure. The financial implications include a regular commercial property income to the council, with rent reviews on an upwards-only basis in accordance with changes in the Retail Price Index (RPI)². The legal implications confirm the council's powers under the Localism Act 2011³ and the Local Government Act 1972. Equalities and climate implications were also considered, with no adverse impacts identified.