Disposal of Land to Enable Extra Care Facility
Report of Councillor Jayne Barry, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Assets.
(Paragraph 3)
Decision:
RESOLVED that:
(1) Cabinet agree with the principle development proposals as outlined in the RIBA Stage 2 report and that a full detailed planning application will now be submitted for the scheme. The disposal of the site would then be conditional upon satisfactory planning permission being granted and the sale being agreed in accordance with recommendation 3 below.
(2) Cabinet agree to the implementation of a Local Lettings Policy to give priority to the existing tenants of the Manor Farm Bungalows.
(3) Delegated Powers be granted to the Director of Growth & Assets (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder) to finalise the terms for the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in the site and enter into any associated agreements or serve any relevant notices in pursuit of the development proposals. The final agreed land receipt and the proposed rent schedule being subject to an independent valuation confirming that “best consideration” has been achieved.
(4) Cabinet agreed that if vacant possession is not achieved on the Manor Farm Bungalows then statutory Eviction Notices will have to be served at some point to give the developer certainty of delivering the project. This could give rise to homeloss payments, as detailed in the report.
(5) Cabinet approve the appropriation of land at the Manor Bungalows under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 for planning purposes and the transfer of the land from the HRA to the General Fund.
REASONS FOR DECISION - The proposed disposal of Manor Farm to enable a 45-unit extra care facility in Dronfield was strongly aligned with the Council’s strategic ambitions as set out in the Council Plan 2023-2027. The Plan commits to improving the quality and range of housing, ensuring homes meet residents’ needs, and supporting vulnerable people to live independently for longer. The development directly supports these aims by delivering supported-living accommodation in a high-demand area, helping to reduce pressure on health and social care services while enabling older residents to remain in their communities. The scheme also contributes to the Council’s place-based regeneration goals by promoting high-quality design and sustainable living environments and contributes to the delivery of the Dronfield Civic Centre Masterplan.
OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED - Do Nothing – The site has been vacant for a number of years and its condition is declining. The annual cost to hold the property is approximately £15k per annum. Doing nothing would likely result in further decline of the condition of the listed property along with ongoing cost. Different mix or scale of development - Cabinet members were clear in their direction that the scheme aligns with and delivers on their strategic priorities.
This was a Key Decision. The call-in period for this decision would run until Thursday 7 August 2025.
Minutes:
Cabinet considered a report which set out proposals to dispose of surplus land and buildings in Dronfield, known as Manor Farm, together with the adjacent Manor Farm Bungalows to enable the delivery of an Extra Care facility which directly addressed local housing needs.
RESOLVED that:
(1) Cabinet agree with the principle development proposals as outlined in the RIBA Stage 2 report and that a full detailed planning application will now be submitted for the scheme. The disposal of the site would then be conditional upon satisfactory planning permission being granted and the sale being agreed in accordance with recommendation 3 below.
(2) Cabinet agree to the implementation of a Local Lettings Policy to give priority to the existing tenants of the Manor Farm Bungalows.
(3) Delegated Powers be granted to the Director of Growth & Assets (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder) to finalise the terms for the disposal of the Council’s freehold interest in the site and enter into any associated agreements or serve any relevant notices in pursuit of the development proposals. The final agreed land receipt and the proposed rent schedule being subject to an independent valuation confirming that “best consideration” has been achieved.
(4) Cabinet agreed that if vacant possession is not achieved on the Manor Farm Bungalows then statutory Eviction Notices will have to be served at some point to give the developer certainty of delivering the project. This could give rise to homeloss payments, as detailed in the report.
(5) Cabinet approve the appropriation of land at the Manor Bungalows under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 for planning purposes and the transfer of the land from the HRA to the General Fund.
REASONS FOR DECISION - The proposed disposal of Manor Farm to enable a 45-unit extra care facility in Dronfield was strongly aligned with the Council’s strategic ambitions as set out in the Council Plan 2023-2027. The Plan commits to improving the quality and range of housing, ensuring homes meet residents’ needs, and supporting vulnerable people to live independently for longer. The development directly supports these aims by delivering supported-living accommodation in a high-demand area, helping to reduce pressure on health and social care services while enabling older residents to remain in their communities. The scheme also contributes to the Council’s place-based regeneration goals by promoting high-quality design and sustainable living environments and contributes to the delivery of the Dronfield Civic Centre Masterplan.
OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REJECTED - Do Nothing – The site has been vacant for a number of years and its condition is declining. The annual cost to hold the property is approximately £15k per annum. Doing nothing would likely result in further decline of the condition of the listed property along with ongoing cost. Different mix or scale of development - Cabinet members were clear in their direction that the scheme aligns with and delivers on their strategic priorities.