Agenda and draft minutes

To elect a chair for this meeting.

It was proposed by Councillor Beatty, seconded by Councillor Nichols and resolved that Councillor Nichols be appointed as Chair for the meeting.

To receive any apologies for non-attendance and details of Member substitutions.

Apologies were received from Councillor Chandler. Councillor Howkins attended as her substitute.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 15 June 2026.

The minutes of the meeting held 15 June 2026 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from members in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct.

Councillor Williams advised he was employed part-time at a unit in the Elmsleigh Centre.

Mark Bunney, Independent Member of the Sub-Committee, advised he was employed by Knight Frank Investment Management LLP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Knight Frank LLP, and would not provide an opinion or view on matters where Knight Frank had provided valuation.

The Chair, or his nominee, to answer any questions raised by members of the public in accordance with Standing Order 40.

At the time of publication of this agenda no questions were received.

There were none.

To note the Forward Plan for future Commercial Assets Sub-Committee business.

Some members of the Committee expressed frustration over the amount of business deemed “private” on the forward plan and therefore considered in closed session.

The Sub-Committee noted the forward plan.

To move the exclusion of the Press/Public for the following items, in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

It was proposed by Councillor Beatty, and seconded by Councillor Nichols to exclude the public and press from the remainder of the agenda items, in accordance with paragraph 3 of part 1 of schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) because it as likely to disclose information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because the disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in being able to undertake even handed negotiations and finalising acceptable contract terms.

A recorded vote was requested by Councillor Nichols and the results were as follows:

The motion fell.

Some members of the Sub-Committee requested future report exemptions be carefully considered before presentation to the sub-committee.

The Chair adjourned the meeting in view of the remainder of the agenda containing commercially sensitive information.

Meeting ended: 14:07

The Sub-Committee is asked to consider the terms of a proposed reversionary lease at 12 Hammersmith Grove.

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

This item was not discussed.

To receive an update on properties within the Commercial portfolio.

This update contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3  – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in any contract or other type of negotiation with a prospective purchaser who could then know the position of the Council.

This item was not discussed.

To consider any urgent action that have arisen since last meeting.

This item was not discussed.