Decision details

The land to the east of 6 Blacksmiths Close, Babraham was the subject of a Decision Notice dated 25.05.2017, for the approval of the sale of land, following the identification of this site as one of 100 self-build plots in our District.

The first Decision Notice was drafted following obtaining Outline Planning Permission ref: S/2925/16/OL and this site was subsequently marketed by Carter Jonas, in accordance with the requirement placed on Local Authorities to adhere to S.123 of the Local Government Act 1972, which seeks to ensure that public assets i.e. residential building plots, are disposed of at ‘best price’ (market value) to safeguard the tax payers’ interests and prevent any possible Judicial Challenge.

Following a period of open marketing, across multiple platforms and directed both to the existing register and to the general public, commencing on 19.07.2017 up to and including the date of the tender, 18 parties expressed an interest and were provided with details of the site. 9 bids were submitted directly to the Council on 19.10.2017. The top two bids were of the same amount so both parties were invited to submit a second bid.

The successful second round highest bid of £246,300 was received from an applicant on the Self-Build register on 20.11.2017.

We have received written notification from Carter Jonas, dated 12^th December 2017, that the obligation to achieve ‘best price’ in accordance with S.123 of The Local Government Act 1972 has been discharged.

Approval granted for the sale of HRA owned land adjoining 6 Blacksmiths Close, Babraham. CB22 3AH which has outline planning permission for the erection of a single dwelling for the best value price of £246,300

Sale of land is in accordance with the approved business case, with receipts invested into the Housing Revenue Account.

Option 1: Not to approve the sale of land for the highest bid of £246,300

Reason for Rejection: Part of our offer as a Right to Build Vanguard was the identification and promotion of 100 self-build plots in our district. We have an existing approved business case. The funding of new affordable council housing is dependent upon onward plot sales.