To seek approval the consultation on the emerging draft Farm Estate Plan.

That the draft Farms Estate Plan be approved for the purpose of public consultation.

The Executive considered a report from the Executive Member for Assets and Housing Delivery that set out the draft Farm Estates Plan.  The Plan was part of a suite of documents developed to establish and articulate a holistic approach to the management of the Council’s assets.  The Plan was a specific element of the Asset Management Strategy and articulated the Council’s approach to its farm estate.

In response to a question, the Executive Member for Assets and Housing Delivery explained that the Council’s Farms Estate comprised 4,700 acres made up of various tenancies.  As these tenancies came to an end, the Council would reassess the future of the land in question, with a view to consolidating land to improve viability of farms. This would be after appropriate consultation.

In response to a question, the Director of Community Services explained that there was still an intention to utilise the funding in the Capital Programme for land purchases to add to the Estate.

Reason for decision:  To enable the Council to manage its Farms Estate.

RESOLVED

that the draft Farms Estate Plan be approved for the purposes of public consultation.

The decision was unanimous.