TREASURY AND RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
PROPERTY HOLDINGS
Property Transaction for Ministerial Decision - Minister for Treasury and Resources
Fields 849 and 851, Trinity – Sale of Land
PBA 845/23&24
Purpose
To recommend to the Minister the sale of Fields 849 and 851, Trinity, to the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society.
Background
Fields 849, known as Le Clos Marett, and Field 851, known as Le Clos des Setteaux, Trinity, were purchased by the Public as part of the house, outbuildings and farm land, known as Le Rondin Farm in 1986. The house was sold off seperately in 1998.
The two agricultural fields are 9 vergées 7 perch in total area and were initially used for crop trials by the former Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and more recently by Environmental Services, up until 2006. Since that time they have been leased to the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society for cattle grazing and as an extra area for the holding of the ‘Country Fair’ and other large events held at the headquarters events.
The Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society already has benefit of drainage rights over the fields
Current Situation
These two fields are no longer required for crop trials or for use by any other department of the States. The Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society, however, would welcome the opportunity of this additional land, to the south-east of its headquarters building, for the grazing of bulls which it now keeps for the purpose of providing a cattle insemination service. At certain times of the year the land would also provide an additional area for temporary facilities to assist with the large community and other events which are held at the property.
In this particular instance, there is benefit for both the public and the various authorities in selling the land to the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society at a fair and proper price. An independent valuation recently undertaken by H W Maillard & Son Ltd. has confirmed that the sale price of £40,000 negotiated by Property Holdings is appropriate for the land. It is located in the ‘Countryside Zone as designated in the Jersey Island Plan 2002.
These two fields are included in the “Property Plan” (P.34/2007) with reference being made to the interest expressed by the RJA&HS in acquiring the land. The “Plan” was approved by the States in April 2007, and during the States’ debate some members gave their express support of the sale to the RJA&HS. As such, it was decided to negotiate a fair and proper price with the Society rather than going out to open tender.
It is proposed that the contract of sale will include a covenant that the fields must never be developed.
Conclusion
It is important to the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society that it is able to acquire these fields close to its headquarters for the benefit of its insemination service and other business activities.
The decision was taken to negotiate a sale with the RJA&HS in this particular instance with an independent valuation being undertaken to confirm £40,000 as a fair and proper price for these fields which are to be retained as agricultural land.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Minister approves the sale of Fields 849 and 851, Trinity, to the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society for £40,000 with each party responsible for their own legal fees in respect of the transaction. Also, that the contract of sale will include a covenant that fields will never be developed.
Written by Philip Ahier
Signature …………………………
Authorised by Paul Tucker
Signature ………………………… Date 18 July 2007