Agenda item

Pre-Scrutiny: SALE OF PARKLANDS MOBILE HOMES SITE - PUDDING NORTON, FAKENHAM

Summary:

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

This report provides information regarding the robust disposal process and detailed due diligence undertaken in relation to the freehold sale of the Parklands mobile home site located in Pudding Norton, Fakenham.

 

Officers have previously considered a range of options with regards to the sale of this property.  The Council could decide not to accept any of the bids to acquire the site and either retain the site or reconsider the previous alternative options.

 

Conclusions:

 

Following approval from Cabinet to sell the site, Officers have undertaken a robust disposal process, having procured and appointed a specialist agent to advertise the site on the open market through a range of mediums.

 

This extensive marketing has resulted in a number of offers from bidders to purchase the property asset and Officers have since undertaken detailed due diligence as part of the assessment process including an interview process, financial and conduct checks.

 

Alongside this and to demonstrate that best value has been obtained, an updated independent valuation has been undertaken, dated April 2022. 

 

Recommendations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

It is recommended for Overview and Scrutiny to:

 

1.     Note the robust process and extensive due diligence carried out regarding assessment of the bids received.

2.     That Officers present a report to Cabinet recommending sale of the Parklands mobile home site to the highest bidder on the basis of best value in accordance with section 123 Local Government Act 1972.

 

To show that robust due diligence has been undertaken and best value has been obtained in relation to the sale of Parklands mobile home site.

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

           

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr Eric Seward

Ward(s) affected

The Raynhams

 

 

Officer Neil Turvey, Strategic Asset Manager

Tel:  01263 516124  Email: Neil.turvey@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Minutes:

The EASM introduced the report and informed Members that it sought to outline the process that had been undertaken to ensure due diligence in relation to the disposal of the Parklands residential site near Fakenham, which was a 38 pitch mobile home site owned and operated by the Council.

 

A public statement was made by Mr Tom MacKeown – Chairman of the Parklands Residents Association.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

       i.          Cllr E Seward informed Members that the report outlined the process of the commercial sale of the Parklands site, and the Committee were invited to scrutinise the robustness of this process, to ensure that they were satisfied the sale would meet the necessary requirements. He added that he was not aware who the highest bidder would be, but was assured that all due diligence had been adhered to during the bidding process. It was noted that he was aware of similar sites in other parts of the District, and Members were reminded that all residents had a right to security and peace.

 

      ii.          Cllr V Holliday asked whether the due diligence included consideration of each bidders prospective plans for the site. The EASM replied that this question had been part of the interview process for each bidder, with the interview Panel comprised of officers, the selling agent, and two members of the Parkland Residents Association.

 

     iii.          Cllr H Blathwayt asked who would make judgement on the fit and proper person, to which it was confirmed that this was established via Licensing as a relatively new requirement.

 

    iv.          It was confirmed following a question from Cllr A Brown, that there were bidders from outside of North Norfolk.

 

      v.          Cllr P Heinrich suggested that any successful bidder could potentially sell the site in the future, and asked whether there were any guarantees that could be provided on the long-term commitment to the site and residents. It was noted that all bidders had suggested a long-term commitment to the site, but protections would also be provided by the Mobile Homes Act.

 

    vi.          Cllr L Withington asked whether there were any constraints on the sale of homes, to which the EASM replied that the Mobile Homes Act did protect owners from being forced to sell or otherwise harassed by park owners.

 

   vii.          Cllr J Rest referred to the existing homes on the site and asked whether there was any age limit on mobile homes and any requirement to continue this. The EASM replied that she was not aware of an age limit, though the mobile homes were expected to be kept in reasonable condition by owners.

 

  viii.          Cllr C Cushing asked for clarification on the timescale of shortlisting and selection of bids, to which the EASM replied that initial bids had been received in October and officers had been reviewing them since to ensure due diligence, and were now at the point of assessment to be determined by Cabinet on June 6th.

 

    ix.          Cllr S Penfold asked if representatives of the Residents Association were satisfied with the process. Mr MacKeown replied that there were differing views and opinions amongst residents, but most would prefer that the successful bidder was someone known locally to the Council and residents.

 

      x.          Mr T Amos of Parklands Residents Association stated that they had undertaken their own due diligence, during which some bidders had not come across positively, and asked the Council to ensure that it was certain of all information prior to making a decision.

 

    xi.          The recommendations were proposed by Cllr H Blathwayt and seconded Cllr P Heinrich.

 

RESOLVED

 

1.     To note the robust process and extensive due diligence carried out regarding assessment of the bids received.

 

2.     That Officers present a report to Cabinet recommending sale of the Parklands mobile home site to the highest bidder on the basis of best value in accordance with section 123 Local Government Act 1972.

 

Supporting documents: