Readers who followed our live coverage of Tuesday evening’s Cabinet meeting will be aware that the sale of West Wight Middle School was approved by Cabinet members.
Original decision made by David Pugh
It was back in March 2013 when, in the absence of former Cabinet member, Cllr George Brown, the then-leader of the council, David Pugh approved the sale of the former school under Delegated Powers to Spectrum Premier Homes Ltd.
(That was the time when a whopping nine pre-election delegated decisions were made on one day)
Since the contracts for the sale of the property had not been exchanged at the time of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, there was an opportunity for (according to the report), “the new council to assure itself over the terms of the agreed disposal”.
Ring-fenced proceeds
At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Cabinet were asked to ratify the sale of the property, which would see a capital receipt of £825,000.
Following the delegated decision made by former-councillor David Pugh, the new council added a recommendation that the proceeds of the sale would be ring-fenced for the maintenance and improvements to existing school buildings rather than be placed into the pot of council funds.
69% of affordable housing
Cllr Priest (on behalf of Cllr Gilbey) presented the paper to Cabinet members setting out why he thought the sale should go through.
The paper revealed that Spectrum have committed to providing 69% of affordable housing on the site. This is well above the 35% required under planning policy and argued by some in the chamber on Tuesday night as much-needed for the Freshwater population.
Passionate appeals
Cllr Stubbings complimented West Wight councillors, John Howe and John Medland for their “passionate and comprehensive appeals on behalf of their residents”, over what was perceived to be a lack of consultation in relation to the sale of the former school.
He gave an assurance on behalf of the council that they would “not go down that route again”, adding that they would consult properly and comprehensively with the public about issues of this nature.
Cllr Stubbings went on to say he would not be voting in favour of the recommendation, citing his responsibility for the application of localism and the restoration of relationships between this administration and the local councils.
Money back into Freshwater?
Cllr Howe expressed his concern about the sale, citing many reasons for his and residents’ opposition and asked for the proceeds to be used for educational purposes specifically in the West Wight.
It was said that the lack of public consultation has led to residents believing that decisions are made ‘behind closed doors’.
“Against the wishes of the local people”
Cllr Lumley spoke as chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, saying he was concerned by the lack of real consultation that had taken place over the matter.
He added that the Cabinet would be acting against the wishes of the local people if the deal with Spectrum Premier Housing was ratified.
Concerned about possible litigation
Cllr Bacon said he recognised the concerns of Cllrs Lumley, Stubbings and Howe, but went on to say that he was drawn to a paragraph within the Risk Management section of the paper that stated …
If the council is not able to conclude the sale of the site to Spectrum on the agreed terms there is a risk that Spectrum will take action to recover all of its abortive costs from the council. There is no current budget provision to meet any such costs.
He referred to the decision made in March by former councillor Pugh, adding that the council would be at risk of costly litigation should the sale not be agreed and that their hands were, to some extent, tied.
Cllr Priest summed up and the Cabinet members voted on the sale.
Cllr Stubbings voted against the motion, Cllr Hillard abstained and all others (Cllr Stephens, Priest, Kendall, Baker-Smith, Smart and Bacon) voted in favour.
