Issue - meetings

          The Board considered a report of the Operational Director – Community and Greenspace that sought approval to provide a café facility at Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve (LNR) which would be operated as a franchise.

          The cost of the café facility was estimated to be £520,000 and it was proposed that an application would be submitted to the INEOS Environment Fund for £87,500 for a period of seven years to cover the capital financing costs.

          The franchise would be on a Full Repair and Insuring (FRI) lease to avoid the Council having any ongoing revenue liabilities in respect of the building. Once completed and opened the café would generate income for the Council from the franchise rental, which could be used to offset the running costs of Pickings Pasture.

          RESOLVED: That

1)    the proposal to open a café facility at Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve which would be operated as a franchise opportunity, as outlined within the report, be approved; and

2)    Council be asked to include £520,000 within the Council’s Capital Programme to fund the construction of the café facility.