1 Notes that a 125-year Academy Lease was granted to Hoyland Common Academy Trust from 1 July 2021;
2 Notes that upon the grant of the Academy Lease the Council took up the offer of a two-year underlease of the Community Farm so that the GCF could continue to operate at the school under a short term (up to two year) licence;
3 Notes that the purpose of the two-year licence will be to provide GCF time to explore options for relocation of the farm, provided that a suitable alternative site can be located, and subject to GCF, providing a suitable business plan and their having the financial standing to fund the proposed relocation or in the alternative to provide time to GCF for orderly closure including rehousing of all of the animals;
4 Acknowledges and approves the expenditure for the reinstatement of the school grounds following GCF’s vacation of the site;
5 Authorises the North East Area Council Team to continue to support the Community Farm with their relocation plans and community support activities; and
6 Authorises the Corporate Asset Manager to explore possibilities for a long-term lease of alternative Council owned sites including consideration of any business plan produced by the Community Group, and the financial standing of GCF.