Community Asset Transfer Request – Part of the Site known as Mansfield, Manse Crescent, Houston PA7 6EJ
Renfrewshire Council · 24 January 2024
Back to Community Asset Transfer Sub-committee — 24 January 2024 and its agenda
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2 ___________________________________________________________________ To: Infrastructure, Land & Environment Policy Board Community Asset Transfer Subcommittee On: 24 January 2024 ___________________________________________________________________ Report by: Chief Executive ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Community Asset Transfer Request – Part of the Site known as Mansfield, Manse Crescent, Houston PA7 6EJ ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The purpose of this report is to ask the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Subcommittee to approve management rights of the Mansfield site in Houston to Bee Happy under Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (the Act). 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the CAT Subcommittee:- 2.1 Consider the Community Asset Transfer request, attached; 2.2 Agree to the request for management rights of part of the site as indicated in the attached location plan; and 2.2 Authorise the Head of Economy and Development and the Head of Corporate Governance to develop and agree an appropriate licence for the management of the asset in accordance with the Act and on such terms as required to protect the Council’s interest.
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3 3. Background 3.1 Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 provides the right for community bodies to request outright ownership, short or long term lease or other rights over any land or property owned or leased by the Council. 3.2 The Act requires local authorities to assess requests transparently against a specified list of criteria, and to agree the request unless there are reasonable grounds for refusal. 3.3 The CAT Officer Panel met to consider this request on the 11th of December 2023. In accordance with the revised Scheme of Delegation (September 2022), the Panel agreed to recommend the request for approval to the CAT Subcommittee. 3.4 This is the first time that the Council has received a CAT request for management rights. If approved, it is proposed that the group be awarded an extended licence to occupy or short-term lease up to 5-years. 4. ‘Mansefield’, Manse Crescent, Houston PA7 6EJ 4.1 The asset known as ‘Mansefield’ is a triangular shaped site extending to 3.48 Ha or thereby. The site lies approximately 600m to the south east of Houston between Manse Crescent and Quarry Brae (aka Hallhill Road) and is elevated above the Houston Road/Bridge of Weir Road roundabout. 4.2 The land is currently used as informal open space, characterised by grassland and woodland planting on the north east area and extending south along the eastmost boundary. 4.3 Owned by Renfrewshire Council, the land was previously marketed as a residential development site, but subsequently withdrawn following representations from the local community and a decision by the LDP Reporter. The site was declared surplus by the Planning & Development Policy Board on 24 May 2005. 4.4 The asset transfer request is for a small section in the middle of the site extending to approximately 350 sqm, outlined in red on the attached location map. 4.5 The group, Bee Happy, already manage the lower section of the highlighted area in an informal arrangement with the Council’s Housing, Environment & Infrastructure Service. [See the Google Map Capture and Location Map attached to this report]. 5. Bee Happy 5.1 Bee Happy is an unincorporated but constituted community group set up to serve the people of Houston as defined by the Community Council boundary.
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4 5.2 The group has existed for several years and co-ordinates groups of volunteers carrying out various gardening and litter picking activities throughout the village. 5.3 The group were given permission to plant a community orchard on the Mansefield site and have managed that for the last 5 years. 5.4 The association’s objectives are to: a) Identify areas of land in the Houston area for development. This would include cultivated beds/ground, planters, woodland, orchards, or any other improvements deemed for the benefit of the community as a whole. b) Maintain already developed areas and planters. c) Reduce litter in the Houston area by means of litter picking and education. d) identify and report instances of littering and fly tipping requiring action by other agencies. e) Promote the feeling of civic pride and social cohesion within their community. f) Carry out any other activities from time to time which would benefit the Houston community and its occupants. 5.5 With over 30 active members from the local community, the group is community controlled and qualifies as a Community Transfer Body under the Act. 6. Community Asset Transfer Request 6.1 Bee Happy are requesting management rights over part of the land known as ‘Mansefield’. The group are not proposing to pay for these rights. 6.2 The land for which the request relates extends to some 350 sqm or thereabouts and comprises the existing community orchard (c. 193.75 sqm) and an extension area (c. 156.3m) Both areas are outlined in red on the attached location plan. 6.3 The group specifically request: a) to extend the fenced area encompassing the orchard; b) to plant additional fruit/nut trees and shrubs; and c) to manage and maintain the area and its perimeter. 6.4 The facility will provide fruit and nut trees and shrubs creating a peaceful area for local people to enjoy and to benefit from the fruit and nuts produced. 6.5 The group fully manage the existing fenced area. 6.6 The group have existing public liability for the site which will be extended to cover the additional area and will take responsibility for all repairs.
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5 6.7 The full CAT request from the group is attached to this report. Community Engagement and Benefits 6.8 Bee Happy are a very active group in the local community and are well respected locally for the work that they do. 6.9 There is significant support for the CAT request from the Community Council and local elected members. 6.10 Wider community benefits proposed in the application, include: a) extension and further development of a grassed area for fruit and nut trees; b) growing of fruit and nuts for the local community; c) a place for people to gather and meet with others; d) encourage wildlife and pollination. Publication and Representations 6.11 The CAT request was validated on the on the 24th of November 2023 and was open for public representation until the 22nd of December 2023. 6.12 During the period of consultation, no representations were received. ___________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community Planning Our Renfrewshire is well – the CAT supports the wellness and resilience of our citizens and communities. Our Renfrewshire is thriving – the CAT supports economic growth that is inclusive and sustainable; Our Renfrewshire is fair: addressing the inequalities that limit life chances. 4. Legal (a) The CAT request and CTB comply with the requirements of Part 5 of The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. (b) A formal offer from the CTB must be received within 6 months of decision to approve.
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6 (c) Sale must be concluded within 6 months of a formal offer being submitted by the Club. 5. Property/Assets – As per this report. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights (a) The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report because no groups or individuals have any involvement currently at the property. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – Not applicable. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – Not applicable. 12. Cosla Policy Position – Not applicable. _________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers (a) None. _________________________________________________________________ Author: Sandra Inrig – 0141 487 1447 or 07974 071238. Sandra.inrig@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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Section 3: Type of request, payment and conditions 3.1 Please tick what type of request is being made: D for ownership (under section 79(2)(a)) - go to section 3A □ for lease (under section 79(2)(b)(i))-go to section 3B � for other rights (section 79(2)(b)(ii)) - go to section 3C � 3A - Request for ownership What price are you prepared to pay for the land requested: I Proposed price: - £ . N/A. Please attach a note setting out any other terms and conditions you wish to apply to the request. 38- request for lease What is the length of lease you are requesting? How much rent are you prepared to pay? Please make clear whether this is per year or per month. Proposed rent £ per month / year (delete as appropriate) N/� Please attach a note setting out any other terms and conditions you wish to be included in the lease, or to apply to the request in any other way. 5
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Section 4: Community Proposal
4.1 Please set out the reasons for making the request and how the land or building will
be used.
This should explain the objectives of your project, why there is a need for it, any development
or changes you plan to make to the land or building, and any activities that will take place
there.
4.1.1 Objectives of the Project:
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4.1.2 Why there is a need for your Project
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4.1.5 If the asset is to be used by the public it would be helpful if you could provide details of
letting's policy and opening times
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4.1.6 What provision will be provided for people with disabilities?
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4.1. 7 Any other relevant information?
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