Issue - meetings
Marrams Bowls Club Options
Meeting: 06/07/2026 - Cabinet (Item 15.)
15. Marrams Bowls Club Options 
PDF 566 KB
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Executive Summary |
This report outlines three options for the future of the Marrams Club House site in Cromer, a Council owned asset currently occupied by the Marrams Bowls Club. The building is in poor condition, with significant roof deterioration and water ingress, and requires substantial investment to remain a usable asset.
Consultation has taken place with stakeholders including The Club which supports Option 2 in principle but has previously opposed redevelopment proposals. The report recommends that Cabinet does not proceed with Option 1 or Option 3. It recommends that Option 2 to dispose of the Bowls Club and Putting Greens is taken forwards subject to conditions, and officers are instructed to agree complete the disposal.
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Options considered
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Consultation(s) |
Colin Brown - Leisure and localities Services Manager Bowls Club Tenant Putting Greens Licensee Local members
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Recommendations
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That Cabinet resolves to: Provide approval for officers to proceed with Option 2 to transfer the freehold of the Property, known as the Marrams Bowls Club and Marrams Putting Greens, to the Marrams Bowls Club.
Delegate authority to the Asset Strategy Manager or the Assistant Director for Finance and Assets to agree to the final terms of the transfer.
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Reasons for recommendations
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1) Not to proceed with Option 1 - due to the level of investment required to undertake the repairs and the continued liability the Council would hold for the buildings.
2) Option?2 is recommended because it provides a sustainable long?term solution that supports continued community use of the Bowls Club while addressing the constraints of the site and reducing the Council’s future maintenance liabilities.
A freehold transfer can be lawfully progressed under Section?123 of the Local Government Act 1972, as the proposal meets the requirements of the General Disposal Consent (England) 2003, enabling disposal at less than best consideration where it demonstrably promotes community wellbeing. The Bowls Club’s established health, social and economic benefits provide a clear basis for relying on this exemption.
Progression of the transfer would remain subject to legal due diligence, the inclusion of appropriate safeguards such as pre?emption rights and restrictive covenants, and confirmation that the Bowls Club is willing and able to proceed with the transfer.
3) Redevelopment - This option has not been considered further due to the capital investment required and the Bowls Club not being supportive of proposed development.
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Background papers
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Wards affected |
Cromer Town |
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Cabinet member(s) |
Cllr Lucy Shires |
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Contact Officer |
Milo Creasey – Surveyor – Milo.creasey@north-norfolk.gov.uk Renata Garfoot – Estates and Asset Strategy Manager – Renata.garfoot@north-norfolk.gov.uk |
Decision:
Decisions
RESOLVED
That Cabinet resolves to:
Provide approval for officers to proceed with Option 2 to transfer the freehold of the Property, known as the Marrams Bowls Club and Marrams Putting Greens, to the Marrams Bowls Club.
Delegate authority to the Asset Strategy Manager or the Assistant Director for Finance and Assets to agree to the final terms of the transfer.
Reason for recomednations
Option 2 is recommended because it provides a sustainable long term solution that supports continued community use of the Bowls Club while addressing the constraints of the site and reducing the Council’s future maintenance liabilities.
A freehold transfer can be lawfully progressed under Section?123 of the Local Government Act 1972, as the proposal meets the requirements of the General Disposal Consent (England) 2003, enabling disposal at less than best consideration where it demonstrably promotes community wellbeing. The Bowls Club’s established health, social and economic benefits provide a clear basis for relying on this exemption.
Progression of the transfer would remain subject to legal due diligence, the inclusion of appropriate safeguards such as pre?emption rights and restrictive covenants, and confirmation that the Bowls Club is willing and able to proceed with the transfer.