Sale of £2million South Norfolk Council's former headquarters to be delayed
The sale of the former South Norfolk Council's (SNC) headquarters has been delayed now until after the local elections.
An extraordinary SNC meeting had been expected to decide who to sell the Long Stratton offices to, but in a surprise move, members voted to put the decision back 90 days.
It is understood the delay was triggered by several factors, including whether Long Stratton Town Council and community could work with or develop a bid themselves and whether making a decision was appropriate this close to an election.
Last summer, councillors agreed to move out of its Swan Lane headquarters and into the Horizon Centre at Broadland Business Park, with the offices put up for sale seeking offers of more than £2million.
At the April 13 meeting, town council clerk, Becky Buck, said that the community did not want extra housing on the site, particularly after 1,875 homes were recently approved for the edge of the town.
Instead, feedback was that the site should be turned into a supermarket or something to support the community.
She said: “By accepting a bid of housing without suitable infrastructure in place, it will compromise future generations, overpopulating a town whose economy is compromised by the loss of SNC and local businesses struggling with the rising costs of living.”
Ms Buck agreed with independent councillor Clayton Hudson that the space could be used as a community hub, incorporating services like the library.
Long Stratton district councillor Alison Thomas said the town council had been approached about taking on the site last year but did not have the money to pay for it.
However, the approval of the 1,875 homes will come with funding for the community, which could be used for the site.