East Sussex County Council will seek to negotiate a costs claim connected with a warehouse it formerly rented.
On Tuesday (October 15), Cllr Nick Bennett, lead member for resources and climate change, agreed for officers to pursue a “mutual settlement” after the authority was served a schedule of dilapidations by a former landlord.
The claim revolves around a property known as Unit D in Ropemaker Park, Hailsham. The council had previously rented the warehouse by way of a 15 year fully repairing and insuring commercial lease.
The 32,500sq ft warehouse unit was previously used as an archive facility by the council’s Library Information Service (LIS) and the Records Management Service (RMS).
Prior to the council vacating the property, the landlord served a schedule of dilapidations on the council, setting out items they considered to be in disrepair. This document set out estimated costings to put the property into a satisfactory condition, as required by the lease.
According to a report considered by Cllr Bennett, the council had advised the landlord it was not possible to undertake all of the works prior to vacation, due to the need to maintain continuity of the service. The landlord then put forward an updated costs claim, reflecting work undertaken prior to the property’s occupation by a new tenant.
Cllr Bennett’s decision will see council officers seek to negotiate a financial settlement between the two parties. The report notes this approach is intended to “minimise costs”.
