Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the City Surveyor.

Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 23 November 2017 and its comments will be reported.

The City Surveyor presented the report which provided an update on the St. Nicholas Priory structural repair and building conservation issues. Structural repairs had been undertaken to stabilize St Nicholas Priory and there had been discussions with community partners from which there were recommendations with regards to the potential asset transfer of the property.

Members welcomed the proposals which would help to ensure the upkeep of the fabric of St. Nicholas Priory while encouraging a range of suitable uses.

Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee considered the report at its meeting on 23 November 2017 and its comments were reported.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)       the City Surveyor be authorised, in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder, to agree terms for a lease of St Nicholas Priory to Exeter Historic Buildings Trust on the terms set out in the report presented to the Committee; and;

(2)     disposal of land for less than best consideration on the terms set out in the report be approved.

To consider the report of the City Surveyor.

The City Surveyor presented the report which provided an update on the St Nicholas Priory structural repair and building conservation issues. Executive had approved a budget in April 2016 for the structural repairs to St Nicholas Priory and further discussions with potential partners about community management of the St Nicholas Priory. Since then the repair work had been carried out and there had been discussions with community partners, with recommendations made for a potential asset transfer of the property to Exeter Historic Building Trust.

Exeter Historic Building Trust would be prepared to take over ownership and provide a dedicated upkeep of the building. They were also keen to use the property as a valuable community asset.

He explained that the transfer would secure improved use of the business and enhance stewardship. However, it would not completely absolve the City Council from any ongoing liability for the building as safeguards would need to be involved in the proposed lease to protect the Trust. The City Surveyor also requested the Corporate Services Committee to approve a change of working in the last paragraph of section 8 in the report to go to Executive to:-

“Separate discussions are in hand regarding the potential of loans from RAMM’s main and handling collection”.

In response to questions from Members, the City Surveyor confirmed that Exeter Historic Building Trust would also be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the gardens.

Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee noted the report and requested:-

(1)  Executive to authorise the City Surveyor, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Support Services, to agree terms for a lease of St Nicholas Priory to Exeter Historic Buildings Trust on the terms set out in the report; and

(2)  Executive to approve disposal of land for less than best consideration on the terms set out in the report

(3)  Change the wording of the report to Executive to “separate discussions are in hand regarding the potential of loans from RAMM’s main and handling collection”.