That the original decision be confirmed as follows:

that, subject to applying the Asset of Community Value Policy, the Assistant Director of Business Services, in consultation with the Chief Executive, be authorised to dispose of the freehold interest of the land area 405.5 sq. m (4,365.3 sq. ft.), gross internal area 294 sq. m (3,164.6 sq. ft.) known as Echo Building, St James Road, Torquay, TQ1 4AZ.

The Council’s Asset of Community Value Policy gives the community six months to come up with a suitable proposal and bid for the Echo Building and should this not be possible within this timescale it will be a matter for the Administration to consider following the local government elections in May 2019 and to determine what action they wish to take.

In accordance with the Standing Orders – Overview and Scrutiny the Elected Mayor had the following options:

(i)         confirm the decision without modification; or

(ii)        confirm the decision with modification; or

(iii)       rescind the decision.

If the decision maker does none of the above within ten working days, the decision shall be deemed to have been rescinded.

This decision will come into force immediately.

The Elected Mayor took a decision on 2 January 2019 to dispose of the freehold interest in the Echo Building, St James Road, Torquay, TQ1 4AZ, subject to the application of the Asset of Community Value Policy.  The Elected Mayor’s decision was called in for the following reasons:

“1.        The Echo Building has acted as part of the Upton Community as a childrens centre, a part of Upton St James School, a community centre and a church.   The Tormohun ward, in which it is located, is one of the most deprived wards in Torbay with high levels of crime, high levels of single parents and significant health needs.   The building has acted as an integral part of the community and could still play a significant part in regenerating this community. 

2.         In the decision notice it states that no alternative options have been considered.   The Mayor should explain why this is the case?

3.         The Mayor agreed to register the Echo Building as an “Asset of Community Value,” on the 19th December, 2018.  Less than two working weeks later he has given notice that he wishes to sell the asset.  This has not given the community time to develop a business case to use this facility in their best interest. 

4.         The promoters of this motion would like to have sight of all the minutes and reports pertaining to the decision to dispose of this asset.  This further information will result in additional questions.”

The Overview and Scrutiny Board considered the call-in at its meeting held on 16 January 2019 and resolved:

“that the decision be referred back to the Elected Mayor with a recommendation that a 12 month period be allowed for the community to develop a proposal for the future use of the Echo Building, with a draft business plan to be presented to the Council within six months.”

The Elected Mayor has considered the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Board and his decision is set out above.

None