Chairman Andrew Gough read out this statement at the PC meeting on Tuesday 11th October:

 

 

On 28th September the Clerk announced that Woodborough Parish Council’s bid for the Middups’ land had been accepted subject to contract.

I know you feel that you have been kept in the dark and I want to take the opportunity to give a few more details about the negotiation and to explain why the PC has only released very topline details to date.

Following consultation, the PC submitted its initial bid, via its agents (Fisher German), at the end of July. The PC was then asked to submit a “best and final offer” on 19th August. The best and final bid was agreed by members at the meeting held on 16th August.

On 30th August, the Clerk was advised that the PC’s offer had not been accepted. The Clerk was told that an offer had been accepted from a developer.

It transpired, however, that there had been a misunderstanding between Savills and the Middup family regarding the PC’s offer. Once there was clarity regarding the offer, the Middup family reconsidered and decided to accept the PC’s bid.

The PC has agreed to pay the vendors’ legal fees and agents’ fees, up to £7900 plus VAT. This is not uncommon in land transactions. The PC has also agreed to name the field “The Sam Middup Field” to mark Sam Middup’s long association with the village.

We have been asked many times why we cannot be open about the amount bid. There were several groups bidding for this land, so to divulge the amount being offered would have prejudiced the commercial position of the PC in making its offer. At least one other bid came from a group within the parish so confidentiality was essential.

The negotiation process has taken some unusual twists and turns, during which Savills asked the PC to keep details confidential. The PC waited until it had reasonable certainty and also the consent of the vendors before issuing the statement on 28th September.

Upon completion, the PC will embark on the next phase of consultation and planning that was pledged on the consultation flyer.

Before I conclude, I would like to confirm that the PC is aware of the reasons for some strong feelings against the purchase, that have been voiced at the public meeting, via our consultation flyer and also in letters to the PC and to the Woodborough Web.

The PC will listen and work with you to mitigate practical concerns eg regarding flooding and the levelling of the land. But I think that we will have to “agree to disagree” in our thoughts about what this recreational field will mean for the village in the future.

Some predict a “legacy of debt” and a “white elephant” – but I and a majority of my fellow members foresee a legacy of an open space that will be valued by our children and grandchildren long after our generation has gone. Over the last three years 50% of local authorities have either sold parks and green spaces, or have transferred the management to others. How positive for Woodborough instead to secure a new green space for playing sport, going for a walk or having a picnic. Parks and fields can improve our well being and quality of life, and will continue to do so as the village grows over the coming decades. Owning this land will give the parish choices over the decades to come. And at the same time we can ensure that this field is not considered for housing development when Gedling enter their next round of local planning.

I know that I am not alone in my optimism, as over 70% of respondents to our consultation supported the idea.

Tonight we will be discussing a “Frequently Asked Questions” document which will give considered answers to the points raised, and we will be talking about the overage clause as you can see from item 34.

I won’t be making further comment about this matter, but I will ask the Clerk to note any issues raised in the public session for our Frequently Asked Questions” document, which we will post on the website.


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