Decision details

The Committee had before it a report by the Executive Director of Families and Communities which advised members of the offers received for the sale of the former Hazlewood School and Site, following the outcome of the recent marketing and disposal exercise.

The report recommended:-

that the Committee –

(a)      instruct the Chief Officer - Corporate Landlord to advise the recommended offering party that they are the preferred bidder for the property as outlined in Appendix 2; and

(b)      instruct the Chief Officer-Governance to conclude missives for the disposal of the site and building, incorporating various qualifications as are necessary to protect the Council`s interest, together with any other matters required to complete the transaction.

The Convener, seconded by Councillor Greig, moved:-

that the Committee approve the recommendations contained within the report.

Councillor Malik, seconded by Councillor Watson, moved as an amendment:-

that the Committee –

(1)    agree to reject all offers and remarket the site for 30 days, thereafter, only accept offers that comply fully with the selling instructions of the Council;

(2)    agree the proposed recommended offer does not fully comply with what the Council requested; and

(3)    agree there are far too many legal challenges happening at this time and the safest position which would not prejudice the Council to legal scrutiny is to remarket the property or take the offer that meets the best value test and has met the Council’s instructions thus avoiding any potential legal challenge.  

On a division, there voted:- for the motion (5) – the Convener and Councillors Allard, Greig, Henrickson and Radley; for the amendment (4) – Councillors Brooks, Farquhar, Malik and Watson.

The Committee resolved:-

to adopt the motion.