Mr Andrew Connors, Housing Delivery Manager, conveyed to the Committee that at a previous meeting of the Committee the purchase of Lenworth House had been authorised. Lenworth House was a development of flats which was intended to be let to tenants on the private rental market. In order to achieve this, a lease of the property was required to be granted to the Council’s private sector rental company, Maidstone Property Holdings Limited. The reason for this was the Council was barred by legislation from granting tenancy agreements at market rental rates. However this activity can be carried out by a private company, wholly owned by the Council.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Director of Finance and business Improvement is granted delegated authority to grant a lease of Lenworth House by Maidstone Borough Council to Maidstone Property Holdings Limited on terms to be agreed, and authorise the completion of such lease and all ancillary deeds/agreements.

2.  The Head of Mid Kent Legal Services be authorised to complete the necessary legal formalities for such lease and any ancillary deeds/agreements in due course.

Voting:  For - 12    Against - 0    Abstentions – 1