Decision details

Authority to grant a 99 year lease of land know as Fox's Field, adjacent to Tonedale Mills, Wellington.

Decision Maker: Asset Management and Economic Development Portfolio Holder

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decision:

Details of decision:   

 

Authority is sought to grant a 99 year lease of land know as Fox’s Field adjacent to Tonedale Mills to Wellington Mills CIC (WMCIC)

 

Reasons for proposed decision:  

 

Fox’s Field was purchased as a strategic land acquisition by SWT with the intention of safeguarding the development of Tonedale Mill (flood alleviation) and the potential future delivery of the Wellington Railway Station and future aims should tie in with these requirements.

 

SWT is committed to working in partnership with the WMCIC (in consultation with and with input from HE) in order to deliver projects in relation to Tonedale Mill, ToneWorks and Fox’s Field, and to work together to the benefit of the residents of Wellington and Tonedale to enhance the heritage and natural assets at Tonedale, specifically those which are currently considered Heritage at Risk, or associated with those at risk. 

 

To this end SWT and WMCIC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, and in relation to Fox’s Field, both parties are to commit to the retention of Fox’s Field as open space for the community and work towards the creation of a forest garden to enhance the health and well-being of residents of Tonedale and Wellington, with special emphasis on increasing the biodiversity, enriching the wildlife habitat and enhanced flood mitigation, with the primary use and long-term vision for the field will be as an open access, community-managed forest garden. 

 

In line with clause 4.30 of the MOU, SWT and WMCIC have discussed terms for a long lease of the land for the site, and as a substantial proportion of the field is to be used as a community forest garden WMCIC have requested a 99 year lease, to allow the newly planted trees to become established. 

 

Subject to the authority to grant this 99 year term the following has been agreed:-

 

The land will be used for open space for the community and work towards the creation of a forest garden to enhance the health and well-being of residents of Tonedale and Wellington, with special emphasis on increasing the biodiversity, enriching the wildlife habitat and enhanced flood mitigation.

 

1. Grant of lease is conditional on the TVG application to SCC being withdrawn.(WMCIC have started this process)

 

 

2.   SWT reserve the right for all or any flood alleviation works required on the land, and toallow any enabling or construction in connection with a new railway station.

3.   Use and occupation of the land and the lease is subject to the MOU between SWT and

WMCIC

4.   WMCIC will provide a 5 year management plan, reviewed and agreed for each 5 yearperiod.

5.   No guarantee is offered for the land to be suitable for growing edible crops due to itshistoric use and location adjoining the works.

6.   Subject to Contract and authorisation.

Alternative funding options sourced:

It is intended that the WMCIC will lead the Project in partnership  with Transition Town Wellington(TTW) and will involve local volunteers and other interested organisations. The WMCIC will work in partnership with TTW to attract and administer public subsidy funding. SWT will be a supportive partner in any grant applications. 

 

Publication date: 06/07/2021

Date of decision: 01/07/2021

Effective from: 14/07/2021

Accompanying Documents: