Decision details

In February Cabinet & Council considered a report regarding the purchase of land at Failie, Skelmersdale from Lancashire County Council for the proposed development of 50 affordable homes for the Council.

In progressing with the purchase, contracts have been received which include an overage clause and LCC are seeking their legal costs & surveyors fees.

That acquisition of the land at Fairlie proceeds

In the unlikely event that the development does not proceed for affordable housing, the fall-back position would be to sell the land with planning permission at an uplifted value.

Should planning not be secured for the proposed 50 unit development, the unused playing field could be excluded and a smaller development of approximately 30 units could be considered.

An independent valuation supports the purchase price of £350k as there is market activity in the area which suggests a price of £9k per plot or £450k for the proposed 50 unit development. WLBC will purchase the site at £350K or £7k per plot which suggests the Council could sell the land without planning permission for more than the £350k proposed purchase price.