Decision details

Councillor Lunn, Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources presented the report that outlined the current position regarding 47.25 acres at Burn Airfield, Selby, currently occupied for agricultural use and the proposal to manage this going forward in line with the Council’s proposals for this site.

The Lead Executive Member for Finance and Resources explained that the former leaseholder had passed away and subsequently the lease had not been renewed. It was proposed to enter into a Farm Business Tenancy with the son of the previous tenant and explained that the new lease took into account the lease to Burn Gliding Club which had an expiry date shortly before in 2026.

It was noted that there was a typographical error in the report under paragraph 2.2 where it should have referred to 2027 rather than 2020.

The Executive were concerned that there was no landlords break clause similar to the one that had been added in the lease to Burn Gliding Club. The Head of Operational Services explained that the Council had employed agents to negotiate on its behalf and this was presented as the best deal which could be negotiated but that the Council did not have to accept it.

Following further discussion, it was suggested that the decision be deferred for further negotiation around the issue regarding break clause however it was noted that the decision could not be deferred for a lengthy period of time. Given the issues being discussed the item would return to a future executive as a private item to allow a full discussion on the commercial negotiations.

RESOLVED:

To defer a decision on the lease pending further negotiation.

REASON FOR THE DECISION

To ensure that the lease agreement contains the best solution for

the Council with the appropriate flexibility.