The Vale of Glamorgan Council

Cabinet Meeting: 15 October, 2018

To seek cabinet approval to grant a new lease to Llantwit Major Surf Life Saving Club for its lifeguard building at Cwm Colhuw and to grant approval to the Club to improve the functionality of the existing building by adding a viewing platform and storage area.

That authority is given to the Head of Financial Services/Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Director of Environment and Housing Services to agree and finalise the terms and conditions for a new 25 year ground lease of land at Cwm Colhuw to Llantwit Major Surf Life Saving Club at a peppercorn rent per annum.
That Llantwit Major Surf Life Saving Club be granted consent, subject to any necessary planning or other consents, to improve the functionality of the existing lifeguard building by adding a viewing platform and storage area which will allow clear surveillance of the entire beach and cliffs and much needed storage for the growing club.
That the Monitoring Officer/Head of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to prepare, complete and execute the required legal documentation.

To provide security of tenure for Llantwit Major surf Lifesaving Club.
To allow a new observation point for Llantwit Beach to be established that will greatly assist with lifeguarding operations on the beach.
To legally formalise an appropriate lease arrangement.

Llantwit Major Surf Lifesaving club has written to the Council requesting permission to extend their clubhouse and to be granted a new 25 year term ground lease.
The existing lifeguard building was constructed in 1995/6, as a replacement for a previous building that was destroyed by a storm. The new building was built in a different location to the former building and was specifically designed to cater for extreme weather conditions. In addition significant work was carried out to the beach area to help reduce the impact of storm damage to the building.

The proposed addition to the building will not only provide a fit for purpose surveillance balcony but also the ability to keep a watch on the beach and cliffs during bad weather. The addition would create much needed extra craft storage space and open up the possibility of collaboration with the growing Channel Coast Surf Club who are interested in sharing use of the facilities.
In addition the proposed addition would also assist the requirements of the RNLI who are stationed at Llantwit Major beach during the summer months on behalf of the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Llantwit Major Surf Life Saving Club provide weekend volunteer patrols, these are held before and after the period when the professional lifeguards are on duty. The RNLI currently has to transport and establish a temporary lifeguard unit on the beach each year at considerable cost to the RNLI and ultimately the Council. By building this extension we would negate the need for a temporary station which would lead to cost savings for all concerned.
A new lease has been under discussion for several years and authority is now required to progress it. The new arrangement will allow for the RNLI or any other Council lifeguard service to operate from the building.

The proposal is to charge a peppercorn rent. However, it should be noted that there is no capital or revenue funding required from the Council for the improvements to the building and furthermore, the Club will be responsible for all outgoings and for repair and maintenance of the building.
Also, the Council is currently committed to providing lifeguarding services at a number of locations. The proposed improvements to this building will assist with this service and there is the potential for a saving in the provision of service as the requirement for a temporary lifeguard unit will cease.

There are no significant sustainability or climate change implications associated with this report. The creation of a viewing platform and the provision of additional storage space will ensure that the building and the clubs that use it have a greater opportunity to remain viable in the long term.

The Council has the power under section 123 of Local Government Act 1972 Act to dispose of land in any manner it wishes, including the granting a lease. Under this provision the Council has a duty to secure the best consideration possible for any property disposal except when under the General Disposal Consent (Wales) 2003, the asset to be disposed of has an 'undervalue' of less than £2million and the transfer helps to secure the promotion or improvement of the economic, social or environmental well-being of an area. In these circumstances, the Council is able to lease its land and buildings at 'less than best consideration', i.e. a peppercorn rent.
The Council's Legal Section will be required to draft, complete and execute all documents required to complete the new lease and permission for the extension.

There are no significant crime and disorder implications associated with this report.

The building and clubs that use it cater for the interests of all sectors of the community.

Working with sporting clubs in the Vale of Glamorgan is recognised in the Corporate Plan under well-being Outcome 4: an active and healthy Vale, objective 7 working in partnership to deliver a range of activities through our leisure and community facilities and parks to increase levels of participation and physical activity.

None.

David Knevett - Operational Manager, Healthy Living and Performance

Operational Manager - Property

Financial Accountant - Visible Services

Committee Reports - Legal

Miles Punter - Director of Environment and Housing Services