Issue - meetings

          The Board considered a report of the Chief Executive, on the release of the restrictive covenant on part of Brentfield St Marie’s, Heath Road, Widnes.

          The Board was advised that the Council had been approached with a proposition to develop part of the land at St Marie’s club for social housing and to secure the future use of playing pitches.Plans attached at Appendix 1 to the report showed the frontage of land which was proposed for sale to HHT for social housing, subject to planning permission, and the two playing pitches which would be transferred to the Wids. It was noted that the removal of the restrictive covenant would apply to the frontage land only. Appendix 2 showed land edged red, where a new restrictive covenant would be applied which would restrict the use of land for playing pitches and leisure uses.

          It was further noted that the proposal supported the Borough’s Housing and Leisure objectives and was in line with the Unitary Development Plan and upcoming Core Strategy.

Reason(s) for Decision

To ensure a sustainable use of playing pitches and provide new social housing.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The ‘do nothing’ option had been considered but this would impact on the long-term viability of the rugby pitches.

Implementation Date

Once approval had been agreed, the recommendations would be implemented immediately.

          RESOLVED: That the Board approve the variation to the restrictive covenant on Brentfield St Marie’s, subject to the following conditions:

1)    the release of the covenant shall apply only to the frontage land formerly used as clubhouse, car park, etc and identified on the plan at Appendix 1. The Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services to ensure that the release is only implemented when the following conditions have been satisfied;

2)    the land released from the covenant shall be used for the development of social housing only;

3)    the restrictive covenant shall continue for the remaining two rugby pitches at Brentfield; and

4)    a new restrictive covenant in favour of the Council shall be applied to the land shown at Appendix 2 at Prescott Road playing fields for the land to be used for playing pitches and leisure only.